An Open Letter to Lauren Gifford

Dear Lauren,

Thank you so much for letting me stay at your mom's house during my recent visit to Bar Harbor, Maine. Although I was only able to stay one night, Mrs. Gifford treated me very well.

I arrived at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and was lucky your mother was still awake. She had already put up colorful signs directing me to your room in preparation for my late night arrival. We had a glass of white wine and gossiped about you and other matters before going to bed. I found Mrs. Gifford to be an absolute delight.

Your bed was very comfortable. And your alarm clock was faithful and woke me up at 8 a.m. I showered and dried myself off with the towel Mrs. Gifford provided me. I brushed my teeth and left the house before your mom awoke. I thought about saying goodbye, but I was reluctant to wake her. A thank you note is in the mail, but please tell her how appreciative I am the next time you two speak.

If you are ever in Charlotte, North Carolina for an evening, don't even think about staying in a hotel. My mother would be more than happy to put you up for the night. I'll make sure to it.

I hope this letter finds you in good health.

Sincerely,

Channing Harris Johnson

p.s. I loved the framed, autographed photo of you and Tom Ridge!