Letters to the Beyond: To Daddy

 

01/04/2023

Daddy,

I miss you more than words can express. I miss picking up the phone and calling you just to talk. I miss discussing the books we're reading and the television shows we've both been watching. I miss buying you the newest gadgets. I miss being able to ask you how to fix something that's broken or asking you for advice on a new plan we have for just about anything. You were my sounding board for life. Mostly I just miss hearing your voice. I miss you laugh and how you said my name. I miss knowing that you're there.

I know your brothers miss you too. You were their anchor that held the family together. Without you and Mama, we are all adrift. I hope they are keeping in touch on their own. I try and reach out to each of them every now and then just to check in and see how they are doing. 

I hope this letter finds you happy, covered in grease, pockets full of tools and keys, with your hounds by your side. I'm sure even in a perfect Heaven there'd be things in need of fixing and dogs in need of pets.

Love,

Your Doodlebug

1/28/2023

Hi Daddy,

I am starting another year without you, and I miss you and Mama terribly. I miss the sound of your voices and the feel of your hugs. I miss being able to ask for your advice, but mostly just being able to talk to you about a little of everything. You are going to laugh, but I even miss you two bickering. Not a lot on that one, but a little.

Please watch over Grandmother if you can. She fell and ended up in the hospital for a few days. Now she's in a rehabilitation center going through physical therapy so hopefully she can be strong enough to go home soon. She's been there two months. She's made a lot of progress during that time, but she has a ways to go. Her walking has been improving, but she still can't get up from the bed without help. That's scary. Hopefully she'll be able to reach a point where she can go back home safely and there are no more falls. Please keep an eye on her for us and send some encouragement and healing her way if you can.

Love,

Ralene