We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.
—Jimmy Carter

In a Christmas Day letter to his friend, Col. John Page, Thomas Jefferson wrote:

My mind has been so taken up with thinking of my acquaintances, that, till this moment, I almost imagined myself in Williamsburg, talking to you in our old unreserved way; and never observed, till I turned over the leaf, to what an immoderate size I had swelled my letter &mdash however, that I may not tire your patience by further additions, I will make but this one more, that I am sincerely and affectionately, Dear Page, your friend and servant.

Reimincing and pausing during a moment of celebration seems to have two effects on people. The more obvious is the public display of mirth and jollity (as Jefferson would say) that, when surrounded by others in the same spirit, brings an amazing energy and excitement to the air. Yet, just as TJ finds himself in this very situation, the good times can be exhausting, overwhelming and even depressing. Comparing where we stand now to where we've been, to the point where we could easily be swept up by the vivid memories that we long to revisit. How good it can feel to lose yourself in these thoughts, even if it does - in retrospect - turn out to be a few pages or hours longer than you intended. That is when the danger sets in: when it gets to the point of consuming you. Trapping you to live in the past. Fortunate for our lone writer here, he steps back into the moment, happy to be reaching out for friends who can lend an ear.

Maybe this is only an old part of Virginia tradition. But perhaps no matter from whence we come these thoughts weigh heavy. We all have longings. Sometimes for the familiar in times of change. Sometimes for the happiness and connection to others in any experience. Sometimes for peace and balance along life's path.

Read of old coke and young ladies in the 1762 letter.

Get lost in UVa Library's extensive digital TJ collection.