An Instant Keepsake
Good Tuesday to you.
Before I begin writing about today’s topic, I’d like to share some of my growing pains regarding this new site.
This Easter weekend, I had a teleconference with my Editor (a.k.a. my younger son). We both agreed that my goal of writing posts short enough to read while drinking 1 cup of coffee has not materialized. Last week, I believe my posts were 3-cuppers. Let’s see how this week works out.
And I wanted to have a meeting with my webmaster, my older son, before he left town. The timing wasn’t right. I just didn’t want to bring up a negative issue as I drove him to the airport. But I am having an email situation.
A friend sent me an email via MWT website and wondered why I had not responded. I promise to answer every email….once I find a way to retrieve and read them! So Sorry.
I appreciate your patience. My Written Thoughts is still evolving.
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So let’s get started this morning, shall we?
Goodness Gracious. There is no way to adequately describe the deadlines moms-of-seniors face. Am I right on this?
Senior Pictures. Senior Invitations. Senior Gown order form. Senior Retreat permission slip. Senior Party planning. And, last but certainly not least, The Senior Letter.
Senior letter? What in the world? Who made that up?
Okay, I thought. I can do this. I’m a writer. How hard could this be? But truthfully – I dreaded having, yet, one more ‘gotta do’ thing.
What began as a begrudging task ended up to be a huge blessing for our entire family. Perhaps you might like to write one after you read today’s post.
It’s a simple letter to the graduating high school senior. An instant keepsake. Your letter will say a lot more than the words written on the paper. It will tell your child that you took time to express your love and devotion to him/her as they make their way out into this big world.
I typed the first word…without shedding a tear. Then as I keyed the second word, it happened. I was in the throes of the uncensored cry. The kind of cry you only allow yourself in private. I could no longer see my computer screen. But I blindly typed away until I finished.
My words will forever be private. But I would like to share just a few lines so you can get a glimpse of the essence of my letter. It might help you write your own.
“On the day you were born, I learned what the purest form of happiness truly meant…The first time I met you, I loved you as if you had been with me forever.”
Yes, it was the quintessential mom letter.
My younger son’s letter to his brother was funny. I snorted with laughter at my son’s vintage humor. It was filled with familial jokes and all stuff – funny. It was a perfect example of his writing style. Light. Quick-witted. Irreverent and invaluable.
My husband wrote a journal of our wonderful vacations. It was a vivid chronicle of our most exciting destinations. As I read his letter, I was instantly transported back to those good times. My husband closed his letter with an affectionate nickname he called our son when he was a small boy. Another round of tissues, please.
Words professing unconditionally love. Words with parting life advice. Words triggering memories of fun times. And words cataloging family excursions. All good fodder for the letter to your graduating senior.
There is no formula. No blueprint. No right or wrong way to write it. Does not have to be cute or clever. Can be short and sweet. Just place your own Written Thoughts onto paper. Your voice and your words.
But do write one. You’ll be glad you did. Even more importantly, your senior will be glad you did…for many years to come.
Caution:
My advice to you? Open a new box of Kleenex and place it next to your computer. On the first word, you’ll be just fine. But watch out for that 2nd typed word.
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Thanks for stopping by this morning.
I’m still not exactly sure what the topic will be on Wednesday. I’ll decide tomorrow morning.
Will either post about my quest for an Encore Career during my 2014 search or will introduce my beloved, older dog son.
Anyway, talk tomorrow.
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