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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, December 18, 2013 | 4 Friends honour Christmas tradition for 48 years by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff For Oakville childhood friends Isabel Shepherd and Jean MacInnis, a simple Christmas card has kept them in touch for nearly 50 years. In 1965, while in their early 20s, the pair came across a card depicting a dog dressed up for the holidays, but feeling under the weather with a thermometer in its mouth and its paws soaking in a basin of warm water. "We thought it was a hoot and got a real kick out of it," said 69-yearold MacInnis, who became friends with Shepherd, 68, in Grade 1 while they attended Oakville's St. Mary Elementary School. "We decided to buy the card and just send it back and forth to each other, just as a gag. Now it's become something much more meaningful." Alternating years, the friends write in the card and send it back to the other every Christmas -- the tradition has been going for 48 years. "The Christmas season begins with receiving or delivering the card and is anticipated by both our families," Shepherd said. "Every year, we reflect and realize the importance of friendship, love and good health." Although the pair has moved away from each other over the years, the card has been the one constant that continually brings them together and has seen them through the milestones in each of their lives. Shepherd has been an Oakville resident most of her life with her husband Rick, while MacInnis has done the moving around. Card has travelled to Guyana The card has travelled around Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, Guyana, South America (where MacInnis and her husband John did missionary work for approximately six years), and Dorset, Ont., where MacInnis currently lives with her husband John -- the pair has three children, David, Paul and Jennifer. "Minus some wear and tear over the years, the card is still in good condition and never been lost," said Shepherd. The following are excerpts from the Christmas card. In 1971, MacInnis wrote to Shepherd: Isabel Shepherd, left, and her friend Jean MacInnis with a Christmas card they purchased 48 years ago on a lark and which they have continued exchanging each year. Now, the card has made its own Christmas voyage to numerous locales around the world. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) or www.facebook.com/HaltonPhotog "I'll be missing a wonderful lady this year, my `second' mom (Mary Watters), as I'm sure you will be. We love and gain. I hope Jennifer is just part as loving as she. Sincere best wishes, always. Happy Holidays, - John, Jean, David, Paul and Jennifer." In 1998, Shepherd wrote: "Happy Holidays from sunny Canada to Guyana, S.A. ­ Wow, does that sound strange but exciting. This special time of year has arrived once again and as usual I am running late -- but it won't be Christmas until I get this card delivered to Jennifer and Jason. "Can you believe another year has rolled around? And I will be thinking of you both lots and lots. I'm sure Christmas `98 will be a new adventure for you. I'm proud of you both for taking on such a challenge. Did you know your picture is on the Scarborough Foreign Mission calendars? "Rick and I wish you both a bright delightful Christmas and every happiness in the year ahead. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and God's Greatest Blessings. Love, Isabel and Rick."