Father’s Day

Dear Kids: Your father is my REAL “father” hero. From the moment you entered the world (or for you, son, within an hour) he was with you all the way.  In the wee hours of the morning he would lift you, crying, from the bassinet and change you, quiet you, and bring you to me […]

…on Being a Stepparent

NOTE.  This is one of a series of requested letters that is posted under “Form Letters” for those of you who would like an idea or a template for a letter of your own. Dear Son-to-Be: I’ve thought a lot about your upcoming marriage into our family.  I know that it isn’t my responsibility to […]

…on Wanting Us to Be Together

(NOTE.  This is one of a series of requested letters that was written in 2012. Perhaps it will help you communicate your love.) I don’t like that you are so far away. This is a moment I want to share with you. Of course, I always want us to be walking and talking together.  When […]

To Mothers

To all the Mothers who have loved and lost… I am always thinking of  you on Mother’s Day and hoping that you can live in beautiful memories as much as in the depths of sorrow. Because you are still a mother. You are the love that is steady. Your child cannot be estranged and lose […]

Being Who You Are

Periodically I read this letter and wonder who needs to hear encouraging words. This is a long one…but take only what YOU need. Dear Granddaughter, I have been thinking about who you are.   You are smart; you are beautiful; you are kind and generous (btw, no one is 100% on this);  you are clever and […]

Happy Birthday, Dear Daughter

Dear Daughter, I remember your birth with great joy. I suppose those first steps in motherhood were halting, but I didn’t realize my own youth and ignorance. I lived in the euphoria of first love. Closing my eyes I can almost smell the softness of your baby skin. I can feel the wisps of hair […]

That Day…That Birthday

Dear Grandson, And then there was that day when we remembered you, we talked about you, we wondered when to call, and then we went to bed. And there was the next morning when I sat up in bed – stunned and dismayed. We didn’t call you, our darling grandson, and say, “Happy Birthday”. We […]

You are enough!

I am re-posting this as a form letter. Perhaps it will help you write your your child or grandchild. To what standard do you hold yourself?  Who is the paragon to whom you compare yourself? You do not disappoint! You are a person of soul and virtue.  You may have lived through things or done […]

Follow Your Own Dreams

Years ago my granddaughter was what…enamored? in love? in lust?  I just re-discovered this letter I wrote to her. Does it work for you and yours? Dear Granddaughter: Thanks for sharing his letter.  I know that hearing from him means a lot to you. Are you seeing what I’m seeing in his response to you?  […]

Good Morning, Love

“When a kid walks into the room (…) does your face light up?  That’s what they’re looking for.” Toni Morrison Toni Morrison was right. And her admonition translates to all relationships bcause are all looking for validation. My husband and I saw a shift in our relationship when we changed one little habit. What a […]