January 2010
16 posts
The December Frame
Dear Mother, I chose a picture taken of you and Dad in 1956 standing by a Christmas tree for my “December” frame at the office. In the picture, Dad is planting a great big smooch on your cheek, and your brilliant smile reminds me of everything I want to remember about you. Don’t worry, I haven’t stopped being your daughter these past 21 years. If cancer hadn’t stopped you, you’d be 95 now, and...
December 2009
7 posts
Maybe they're right
Dear Dad, I don’t really know how to tell you that I don’t want to see you because I’m scared of you. Of course I know how to say it (clearly I just did), but I don’t want to say it. I don’t want to be another one to break your heart like mum did and I don’t want to make you sadder and lonelier than you are now. I know you wouldn’t even understand why I’m scared of you because you don’t remember...
Now I Want to Live
Dear Devon, Life is going to be hard and upsetting. You’re going to get mad at the world, and sometimes you’re going to get mad at your mom, me, a friend, or a girl. You can come to me anytime. I’m your father and your friend. For help, a problem, love, or just for someone to talk to. I’m here. It is because of you and your mom that I changed my life. You two make me feel like a million...
Together forever?
Dear Husband, You are still very much the same man I married and that is my joy and my burden. As we pass into our 21st year of marriage, I wonder why things have turned out the way they have. Why don’t we have more harmony in our lives? Why is communicating with you so difficult? I see all the jokes about nagging wives and realize it is probably exactly what I am experiencing. I do not...
Brotherly Love
Dear Amanda, I wish I told you more often that I’m sorry for blaming you for things and for bothering you. And for eating your food. I’m also proud of you for all your smart thinking and calmness. For example, when we got to school, I was supposed to walk you to your classroom but I didn’t. So when you got there, there was no teacher. You stayed calm and went to the gym–your first time ever! ...
No such thing as guns
There are so many words I never got to say, so many laughs I never got to share, so many unsmoked cigarettes in my pack. If you were still around, I would tell you how when you walked in a room, everyone noticed. Not only because you’re gorgeous, or that you were bronzed and tall, not only because your hair was long and golden, but because you had a presence that everyone couldn’t help but notice,...