Twenty five years ago or so, I was flying on a plane from New York to California. An amazing woman, Vella, was sitting next to me and we talked and chatted the entire flight. I never saw her again, but we remained fervent pen pals… for 25 years. Every Christmas and every birthday, we faithfully sent each other cards and pictures… along with handwritten letters throughout each year. I practically knew everything about her family and kids and grandchildren and all of their lives.

A couple years ago I stopped getting them… and worried that something was wrong. This past year, I received a letter from one of her daughters, sharing with me all the sad news and heartbreak. Indeed, Vella had passed away. She told me how I was like a part of their family, that they all felt like they knew me and loved seeing all the cards and letters all these years.

Last night, the daughters came to the show in Logan. We went to dinner beforehand, and told stories and had a beautiful time. During the show, I sang “Million Lonely People” and dedicated it to Vella. I had a difficult time getting through it without choking up. I know Vella must have been looking down on us and probably was singing along, too.
Goodnight, Vella.