DEAR ABBY: Our precious mother passed away in 1983 and left me her mink stole. I didn't think I'd ever wear it, so I gave it to my older sister. This year for Christmas, my sister gave me the delightful gift of a teddy bear made from Mom's stole!
It arrived in a large box filled with packing peanuts. At the bottom of the box was a very worn penny. The date on it was 1997, the same year our brother passed away after a brief illness.
A few months before his death, he and his high school sweetheart had married after 40 years of marriage to other mates. They were like teenagers, so in love and so happy. Needless to say, his death was devastating. My sister swears she didn't put the penny in the box.
I can usually find a logical explanation for strange phenomena, but this really touched me. My sister and I believe the penny symbolizes a link between Mom and our brother, who are now with Dad -- and together they sent us this "article of faith." I hope you'll print this, Abby. So many people need reassurance to help them through. I did, and now my faith has been restored. -- LINDA L. JOHNSON, MIDLOTHIAN, VA.
DEAR LINDA: I'm not sure which I find more impressive -- your finding the penny or your sister having found such a creative way to recycle the mink!