The first letter received by the author, dated September 9, 1988, is from a former student from 1977 who sends happy-birthday wishes, and condolences for a double tragedy.
The last 2 letters are both written Easter Sunday 2010: one, by the author to his friend Rudy. They met in first grade in September 1932; their friendship has lasted 78 years.
The other letter is from the youngest of the author's 4 children, his son Matt, who was born in 1959 after 3 daughters.
Matt also has 3 daughters, and in his letter conveys unexpected but good news from Austin, Texas.
Before the author retires in June 1991from teaching advanced placement English for 40 years at 2 high schools, he corresponds with several former students, friends, and family, including 4 younger brothers who live in Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, and Seattle.
After he retires, the author travels extensively on escorted tours to continental Europe and England, as well as to Turkey, and several times visits a friend in London.
During his retirement years, the author battles prostate cancer and heart surgery, tutors for an adult literacy program at Abington township's public library, makes several trips to New York for Broadway shows and Metropolitan Opera productions.
After Matt gives his father a laptop, the author spends most of his time writing about his travels. After his oldest grand-child marries, she gives birth to a son. The author becomes a great-grandfather.
