My Mother’s Birthday

Dear Children, Here it is – Mom’s birthday again. Will I ever get better at expressing my feelings about my mother?  I know that the longer I live, the more I understand both her and myself. Observing her difficulty in making connection is an object lesson in love. In the years when you were under […]

To My Valentine

To My Valentine, I have so many valentines now. But as I am thinking about my children and my grandchildren, my mind turns to you. You are the one, after all. You are the one who has always loved me. All of those years ago I didn’t understand how such a stud decided to pay […]

…on Christmas and You

(NOTE:  Do you want to write to your new love? Your aging husband?  Your child?  Your Friend?   I hope this helps you find the words you need for the person you love.  This is one of a series of requested letters  posted under “Form Letters” for those of you who would like an idea or […]

Merry Christmas to All

Reprinted from 2013 Dear Family, ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all the through the house, not a creature was stirring… …except for my gerbil mind racing on it’s circular track. Well, that’s not exactly true.  I have spent a restful night, just not a deep-sleeping night.  And I’m thinking that wakefulness on the night […]

…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 […]