One of the perks of this job was getting a letter to the editor from Brenda Draper.
They often were critical but not overly so and they were all sprinkled with a healthy dose of Brenda’s unique sense of humor.
They were a pleasure to read and we felt honored that she not only took the time to read our paper but also to write a well reasoned and very logical response.
They were never too short or too long.
As a newspaper man Brenda knew the value of space and just how much to the pica width she could use.
We could usually count on to or three letters a year but lately they stopped coming.
We had heard Brenda was not well and we had meant to send her a card but we got busy our selves and now it is too late to do anything but miss her.
And miss her we will.
She was as we say in Hebrew an eshet chayalet— a woman of valor.
She was completely loyal to her family and to her home town and woe to those who threatened either.
That kind of devotion is rare and wonderful to behold.
If our children are the final measure of our worth then Brenda’s measure is truly great.
We will miss you Brenda.