Dear, dear Timber Framers,

Sliding one hand’s thumb and forefinger down the thumb and fingers of the other hand, one digit at a time, as if adjusting a pair of what I envisioned as white Sunday School gloves, my first grade class recited, "Do … unto … others … as … you … ," then we switched hands to do the other imaginary glove, "would … have … them … do … unto … ," and then pretending to fasten little wrist buttons, we’d really draw out, "yoooooou," so it would last through the buttoning of both gloves. The presumed glove and Golden Rule connection always baffled me, particularly since there are clearly eleven words and twelve actions.

I’m remembering this ritual because my association with the Guild has demonstrated the Golden Rule in action like I’ve never seen it before. And it now occurs to me that maybe those Sunday School gloves were meant to be work gloves donned to protect helping hands from sharp tools, splintery timbers, and cold, wet work days. That doesn’t solve the eleven-words-twelve-actions dilemma, but it’s a start.

As one who always had "Talks Too Much!" noted on my report card, I was frequently required –in an attempt to render me mute – to go through another little exercise which involved pretending to lock my lips with a key, then pretending to gulp down that imaginary key by passing it through my supposedly locked lips.

I’m reminded of that exercise for two reasons. One, I spent at least half of last week with a lump in my throat, deeply touched by the sharing going on around me. The other, an inability to express my appreciation in words. If I am going to continue to say, "Thank you!" when a cashier at McDonald’s hands me my change, what do I say when hundreds of people share their love and time and skills in such a way as to inspire me to once again see the world through the hopeful, quizzical eyes of a 6-year-old?

Let me know when there is something I can do unto you.

Kitty Sachs
88 Lotta Water Lane
Glasgow, VA 24555
540-258-2078 / 540-258-1401
kitty@rockbridge.net

Thanks also for letting me video-tape some of the event. My elderly parents are very interested in the project but not quite up to the travel to see it hands on. The tape and Ollie's [Richardson] pictures will bring it home to them. We'll think of you at Easter when we're all together reliving the events.

And thanks to all who graciously let me borrow their precious tools. It must be like watching someone else throw your child in the air -- you know they'll do their best not to harm them, but they might accidentally damage them just the same. Tom Barfield was especially helpful, knowledgeable and extremely patient with me. My sincere gratitude and a salute goes to him.

Thanks once again for your talent and skill, knowledge and businesslike attitude, sense of humor and stories, and for being a such fine person to know. My life has been enriched by this weekend.