How Did It Know To Lock The Door?

Dear Ann Landers: Many times, I’ve thought about sending you an offbeat story from our newspaper that you could share with your readers as sort of a “payback” for the pleasure your column has given me, but somehow, I never got around to it. This time, I’m finally doing it. This clipping is from our local paper, which runs your column. I laughed out loud when I read it. If you need a laugh today, this could be it. - Cliff in Vermont

Dear Cliff: I laughed, too. I’m printing your story and am sure that many of my readers will enjoy it as well. It appeared in the Burlington, Vt., Free Press:

“A year-old deer entered a first-floor Woodstock motel room through an open window and somehow locked itself in a bathroom early Sunday morning, Woodstock police said.

“After entering the motel, the deer reportedly jumped over two sleeping people, who remained unharmed in the incident, and went into the bathroom. The deer was eventually rescued and released out a back door of the motel. The deer damaged the motel’s front window and the bathroom, police said.”

P.S.: This is Ann talking. If one of those Woodstock police could tell me how the deer locked itself in the bathroom, it would certainly appease my curiosity.

Dear Ann Landers: Please keep printing those how-we-met letters. Maybe some of your readers consider them dull and “dated,” but most of us find them tender and loving. Those letters also give us a glimpse of what life was like in the ‘40s and ‘50s. My favorites are the ones from the World War II era. My grandmother was a WAC, and her sister was a WAVE. What exciting and romantic lives they had! They both met their husbands in the service. Keep those letters coming, Ann. - Wilma From Washington, D.C.

Dear Wilma: The mail has been running 25 to 1 in favor of the how-we-met letters, so I shall continue to print them. For those who don’t care for them, feel free to skip the next letter because here’s another:

Dear Ann Landers: I lost my young husband to cancer in 1950 and had an infant son to raise by myself. I was heartsick and frightened. I wasn’t interested in taking a real vacation for three years. I finally decided to go on a trip sponsored by a settlement house for mothers with preschool children.

Living on the campgrounds as plant manager was “Ed,” an attractive bachelor. He caught the eye of several single mothers, including me, but he seemed somewhat aloof and disinterested.

One evening, Ed and I talked and laughed about an inconsequential event, and I found him most engaging. On the last day of my vacation, after the children were put to bed, the mothers gathered at the lodge for our final get-together. Ed was there and asked if I’d like to go for a “farewell walk.” We ended up sitting on a bench under the twinkling stars and a full moon. He asked me to marry him. I was stunned - and even more shocked when I heard myself say “yes.”

We’ve been married 45 wonderful years. Ed has been a loving father to my son, and we had three fine children together. I consider myself extremely fortunate. - S.E. in Lawrence, Mich.

Dear S.E.: They say a full moon causes people to do strange things - hence the word “lunatic.” But it worked for you, so let’s not knock it. Thanks for writing.

Gem of the Day: Please don’t let anyone tell you that a few drinks is a good way to drown your sorrow. Sorrow knows how to swim.