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

Letters to the Beyond: To Mama

12-28-2022 

Dear Mama,

I wish you had recognized your own value more. You rarely had a kind word for yourself, yet you did so much good in our world. You took care of everyone in your life, event those who didn't deserve it. And it wasn't just those near and dear to you. You sacrificed so that complete strangers could have food on the table, clothing to wear, and a few presents under the tree come the holidays.

Not enough people said thank you for all you did. Not enough people showed you and Daddy the same generosity when you were in need over the years. Not enough people who loved you told you that you were king, beautiful, and important. They should have because you were all of those things and more. You never understood how loved and needed you were and still are by so many. I hope wherever you are now that you know.

Love,

Your Daughter

1-16-2023

Dear Mama,

I miss being able to pick up the phone and call you. I miss being able to ask for advice on health stuff because maybe I knew you'd experienced something similar or being able to ask for tips on a particular recipe I remembered you making. 

The whole family misses you. You did so much for them that they never realized until you weren't there to make sure it got done. Grandmother misses you so much. Her sisters are gone now, and she talks about so many in the family and the community who have passed in the last couple of years. It can't be easy for her to be one of the few left. You called and talked to her just because you wanted to, and you really listened. You randomly showed up with a meal or a special treat just because. You never treated her like something she had to do. She was always someone you wanted to see. You being gone has been particularly hard on her.

Lots of other people miss you too. I get messages from friends often saying how much they miss you and Daddy. You would never have believed it or admitted that you were loved while you were here. I hope you realize it now wherever you are.

Love,

Your Daughter

1-30-2023

Dear Mama,

Grandmother has been in the hospital and then a rehab unit for about a week now. She is getting better, but there is still mending and physical therapy needed before she can come home. Please watch over her and lend her a helping hand in healing if you can. I know if you were here with us, you'd be impatiently trying to get her home. And you'd be bringing her meals because she doesn't like the food they've been serving her. You were always so good at taking care of us all.

I love you.

Your Daughter