To the editor:

The recent death of my good friends Rose and Mahlon Brosseau reminded me of an important lesson. After letting go of their home and most of what filled it, they moved to a tiny apartment in Maple Ridge Assisted Living Facility. Now that they have also let go of their bodies, all those valuables are just STUFF. Having been my close friends for nearly a decade, what I treasure most about them were the tight, warm hugs, heart-to-heart conversations, and the many delicious meals at their home.

This brings me to the topic of gift-giving.

Among the recipients of gifts from me, Planet Earth is on top of the list. I try to be mindful of the carbon-emission involved in the making and sending of the gift. This takes more creativity than the traditional way of shopping, wrapping and sending.

Here are some examples: gift certificates at a local restaurant, business, something home-made: or a win-win gift — send a gift certificate in honor of the recipient to a charity, such as Good Cheer, www.heifer.org, www.Oxfam.org.

I’ve sent money for a pair of goats to be given to a family. In addition to receiving the animals, they could start a business with the milk and cheese. Also, they are encouraged to give away baby goats to other members of the village. Thus the gift spreads. There are smaller gift animals. Check out the Web sites.

I am sure you can think of many other ways of giving which will include the well-being of our Planet Earth.

Gloria Chou

Clinton