CHEYENNE, WY—Friends, family, and acquaintances of Mollie Gaytan, 32, are accustomed to her annual autobiographical letters summarizing the past year and sending well-wishes. However, this year's took on a surprisingly preachy tone, given that she considers herself nonreligious.
Whereas this year's brief started out in typical fashion—with updates on her contact information and a short travel log—by the end of the one-page note, it made an odd turn. Although none of the recipients could point out any particular key word or phrase that was religious, it nonetheless made several of them uncomfortable.
"I am just so, so thankful for all of you in my life," read part of the letter. "There's just something about this season that makes me reflect deeply on all of the precious things in my life, and I am washed over with a profound sense of completeness and joy. I know you can feel that, too, if only you'll let it enter your heart."
Several of Gaytan's closer acquaintances and coworkers were taken aback by the phrasing. Many of them had to reread the last paragraph several times to put their finger on what exactly was off about it. Many others also checked Gaytan's public social media profiles to see if she'd had some change in her religious affiliation. To their surprise, she was still openly agnostic, stirring more bewilderment among those who know her.
"I don't exactly know what it was," said former coworker Haley McNeil, 36, "but it creeped me out a little. I had to get rid of the letter, it was so disconcerting. I mean, what is it that she's preaching?"
Indeed, even Gaytan's parents, who are Catholic, were unnerved by their daughter's note. "We called just to check on her after we got it in the mail. We worried that she'd gotten some terrible diagnosis or something. This just isn't like her." they shared.
When reached for comment, Gaytan said of the letter, "Oh, that. So, kids, this is a good lesson in the dangers of eggnog..." She then slapped herself on the forehead with an open palm, and let out a deep groan.