I remember there was a time during college, I think, where I finally started to see my parents *as people* and more fully as people to appreciate... sometimes it takes a while. :) And I finally wrote such a letter to my dad on his birthday (or some other occasion?) It always stuck with me that my mom said he kept that letter and re-read it, it was so special. That was one of my first revelations of how much we need to keep up the habit to just say darn the things. It can seem so small a thing, but to the receiver it is an enormous gift.
Isn't it so true that it can take a while to see our parents more accurately so that we can appreciate them better? And yes! Those letters become absolute priceless treasures to the recipient. Just say the darn things. Love it!
I've been working on writing a novel about a young man after his grandpa dies, heavily inspired by my own grandpa, and one of the scenes involves eulogies at his funeral. It feels sort of like going back and being able to tell him everything he meant to so many people.
The last photo with the floral in the envelope is darling!
Your novel sounds interesting! and I love hearing eulogies at funerals--they are this intense and unusual blend of happiness and sorrow; a fascinating scene for a novel for sure.
Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection, Shannon! I shared this my family! 🙏🏻❤️ This is exactly why I love to write cards to loved ones. It may seem insignificant and even wasteful to some on our tech age, but there is something really special about someone taking the time to let us know what we mean to them. I hope they can look back and read my heartfelt words anytime a reminder of their worth is needed! I keep all mine- some in my Bible! Thank you again 🥰😘
People truly are the most precious thing we have. I'm not sure why that is so easy to forget, but I certainly need the reminder as often as I can get it! Thanks for reading as always, Joellen.
Yes - lovely, Shannon.
I remember there was a time during college, I think, where I finally started to see my parents *as people* and more fully as people to appreciate... sometimes it takes a while. :) And I finally wrote such a letter to my dad on his birthday (or some other occasion?) It always stuck with me that my mom said he kept that letter and re-read it, it was so special. That was one of my first revelations of how much we need to keep up the habit to just say darn the things. It can seem so small a thing, but to the receiver it is an enormous gift.
Isn't it so true that it can take a while to see our parents more accurately so that we can appreciate them better? And yes! Those letters become absolute priceless treasures to the recipient. Just say the darn things. Love it!
Your essays always bring life. Thank you.
I've been working on writing a novel about a young man after his grandpa dies, heavily inspired by my own grandpa, and one of the scenes involves eulogies at his funeral. It feels sort of like going back and being able to tell him everything he meant to so many people.
The last photo with the floral in the envelope is darling!
Thank you, Emma.
Your novel sounds interesting! and I love hearing eulogies at funerals--they are this intense and unusual blend of happiness and sorrow; a fascinating scene for a novel for sure.
Shannon, thank you so much for the reminder of how brief life is but how our words are so powerful in the lives of others.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Douglas!
Was that a letter Ezra wrote you from TX while you were in VA?
Good eye, Phil! Yes; this is a letter Ezra wrote me from Texas while he was here for an internship and I was still working back in Virginia.
Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection, Shannon! I shared this my family! 🙏🏻❤️ This is exactly why I love to write cards to loved ones. It may seem insignificant and even wasteful to some on our tech age, but there is something really special about someone taking the time to let us know what we mean to them. I hope they can look back and read my heartfelt words anytime a reminder of their worth is needed! I keep all mine- some in my Bible! Thank you again 🥰😘
Thank you so much Caroline; I hope your family enjoys it as much as you did.
You are so welcome, and they did!! ❤️
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. The people in our lives are so precious, now I want to take every moment I can to tell them so!
People truly are the most precious thing we have. I'm not sure why that is so easy to forget, but I certainly need the reminder as often as I can get it! Thanks for reading as always, Joellen.
Yes, let's not wait. So true. ❤️ Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks, Ashley. I hope you enjoy writing a few living eulogies this year! I know it truly does mean the world to the people I have sent them to.
This is beautiful.Thank you. Sheila Beck
Thank you, Sheila! You are such an inspiration to me with your dedication to letter-writing.