The gift of words

Because of Covid, we couldn’t visit my father in the hospital. The phone in his room didn’t work and his cell was often out of reach or needed to be charged. Desperate to connect with Dad, each day I dropped off notes that a security officer would deliver to the intensive care unit. One day, he handed me a note from Dad, a few sentences penned in shaky handwriting.

Dad died a few days later.

His home was filled (dare I say stuffed) with everything—furniture, dishes, linens—the list stretches long. For weeks I sorted, packed, and sold items.

And I found treasures.

Tucked inside desk drawers and file cabinets were cards and letters. I laughed at my elementary stab at poetry in a homemade Mother’s Day card. You are the queen, let roses fly and bird sing. Equally entertaining were letters scrawled by grandchildren. I like your house. It is always fun. Tell dog I like him too. There were newsy letters from my brother while he was in college, and sweet words from my grandmother to my mother upon her engagement. My favorite discovery: Yellowed envelopes and love notes between my parents.

Words are powerful, and when they are written down, their message carries into the future.

This season of thanksgiving don’t hesitate send family, friends, coworkers a letter or card expressing your thanks and appreciation. Your written words may be savored for years.

I cherish my Dad’s last note and the wobbly letters that say, “I love you.” I’ll never hear Dad’s voice again, but I can read his words over and over. 

Love you, too, Dad. 

Gretchen 

http://gretchen-carlson.com