Barbara McDermott Operation Valentine 2

Shelley Dziedzic

Shelley Dziedzic

Member
It was nearly one year ago when we launched our Valentine's Day tribute to Walter Lord. I was re-living that today while driving to work and remembering how much happiness it brought him to hear from you all. I had planned to pop in to see Barbara McDermott before February 14th and take her a valentine. She still cannot believe how so many people are interested in her and her incredible story. She loves mail too- and stacks notes and postcards on her kitchen table. It has been pretty cold this winter in New England and with all the scary news about war and the economy- I could use some lovey stuff! Shall we try it one more time? For those old Softhearts who missed the first Operation- this is your chance. And this time it does not have to be an antique valentine- I am off to find the pinkest, glittery-est epistle of mush I can find tomorrow! You know the routine- P.O. Box 86 North Stonington, CT 06359. I have a little red velvet trunk just begging to be filled up with cards and little notes. Can we do it one more time?
 
Love, exciting and new,
All aboard, we're expecting you!
THE LOVE BOAT
Is making another run ...


Dear Shell,

By all means! Encore!

I think I may have just the thing for dear Mrs. McDermott as I've already bought a bunch of cards for friends, particularly single folks like myself. (We Cupid-deprived souls do so need that extra cheer, don't we?)

Anyhow, I'm only too thrilled to take part in another Operation Valentine's project. Last year's tribute to the late Walter Lord will be recalled with fondness and meloncholy by fellow ETers.

For those of our new members who may not know the touching story of Mrs. McDermott (the former Barbara Anderson), she was saved from the sinking of the Lusitania at age 3, along with her expectant mother, Emily, who died shortly afterwards, and is today one of the last two known survivors of that horrendous disaster. Despite her unfortunate beginning in the world, Barbara McDermott, now an amazingly youthful and energetic 90 year old, leads an extraordinarily happy and full life, surrounded by much love from family and friends.

She's a romantic, it is said, and very affectionate. And is thus the ideal choice to receive a special Valentine's Day visit during which all the love and well wishes of ET members can be conveyed to Lusitania's own "Queen of Hearts."

Randy
 
>>>If any of you Californians bump into Tom Selleck (today is his 58th birthday)- tell HIM to send Barbara a valentine too- she IS his biggest fan!<<< Shelly.... Well, I will have to arm wrestle Barbara for that title. I am pretty fond of him myself...
wink.gif
Don't worry, I ALWAYS watch for Tom Selleck in my travels. Will keep out a special watch though. 58.... Still looks 35 to me!
 
I won an autographed photo today of the handsome heart throb himself- and with a nice frame it will be just the thing for Valentine's day. Yes- Tom does look great at 58!
 
Shelley:
Count me in. I'll get a card off to you tomorrow. Can't help you with the Tom Selleck thing, though. How about an autographed picture of my younger brother the architect? He used to look like Tom when he had a moustache.

I don't know how many people drop by the Lusitania threads. For better partricipation maybe you could cheat a little bit and put this in the Titanic passenger thread, too.
 
I was wondering when the tenderhearts would appear! Yes, the plan is to pop over on the 16th so there is plenty of time. I know she will be delighted to know she has admirers everywhere. Your brother sounds very nice indeed Mike- and far more accessible than Tom! Bring him to Newport- Barbara has a tango left on her dance card! Perhaps I should have a note on another thread for non-Lusy fans.
 
Hi!

I hadn't seen this thread. Am sending my best wishes with Randy for Barbara -- and I'm reading your tribute Shelley. I hope it's a success.

Best regards,

Mark.
 
Thanks to all who sent tokens of affection. Alas, the weather here has been Arctic and my Valentine's Day visit is postponed until warmer days, but the large box full of Victorian lacey missives, soft white teddybear, red velvet hearts of truffles, candy conversation hearts and notes, the new marshmallow PEEP hearts, English tea and cocoa was sent -Tom Selleck's autographed photo did not make it in time but will keep for another surprise! Barbara had a fall before Christmas and is wisely staying inside until after the snow and ice is gone- she is mending very well and is thrilled people take an interest in her and remember her .A BIG kiss XXX to all you sweetiedarlings out there.
 
I received a nice note today from Barbara I'd like to share " Dear friends, Thank you so much for all the lovely things you sent for Valentine's Day. I was never so surprised in my life. The velvet heart is beautiful and all the other cards and things also. The bear is as soft as silk. I have it sitting in my rocking chair. I can't thank you all enough for all these things. I must write to the mystery man who gave me the beautiful red heart. I would like to have you all come in July because I would like to have a cook-out for you all. I am pretty good with cook-outs. That way I can return the treat!. Thank you again, All my Love, Barbara"

Sure made my day! Thanks everybody- and that mystery man in California! I KNOW who you are!
 

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