Nine Letters

I have letters.

I have nine letters.

I have nine letters that my Dad, who I share about here, wrote to my Mom from July 7th, 1956 to August 2nd, 1956.  They were getting married in August - Dad was living in Spencer, West Virginia at the time and Mom was living in Weston, West Virginia. 

In these nine letters, Dad happily shared his plans for his bride-to-be ... where they were going to live, what furniture he had been collecting, and he also shared how much he loved my mother.

I have precious FEW things of my father's.  I am so thankful that Mom let me have these nine letters.

And each and every time that I sit down and read them I cry like a baby.

I picture my Dad and think about happy he must have been then and how hopeful he was for his bride AND his life-to-be. 

And then my memories of him come flooding in.

I can hear his voice, I can smell his smell, and I can feel him HERE.

I had my father for 24 years of my 50 year old life.

I miss him every single day.

And I know you understand.

Love,

Kim

 

Comments

[Erin]

I cried reading your post (I am crying as I type this). I lost my Dad in 2003 (I had him for 37 years). I know what you mean about his voice and his smell coming back. What a wonderful post. We were blessed to have wonderful Dad's. Thanks for sharing

[Daisy Cottage]

((((Erin)))))

Love,
Me

[Deb]

Hi Kim
What beautiful keepsakes for you! I love that your Dad quoted his Dad in the letter :-) Beautiful memories ~ you are blessed to have them ♥

[Denise Briggs]

Oh, how delightful to have such wonderful insight of a time when you were still a twinkle in your Dad's eye...the future yet to be!! Bittersweet, I imagine. What a wonderful gift from Your Mom!! Nothing compares to the intimacy of the hand written word.
Sincerely,
Denise

[Teri]

This is a very sweet post and so sad at the same time. I'm so sorry you lost your Dad at such a young age, but you are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful father. I, too, have a wonderful Dad and I just wish everyone could say that--this world would be such a better place if everyone knew what having a great Dad was like.

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

How wonderful that you have these letters! Sometimes I worry about all the e-mailing we do. Letters like this are increasingly rare. I kept all the ones my husband wrote me before we married and still lived in different states and I treasure every one.

[Elizabeth Ann]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful part of your life. When I first open your blog each day, I am greeted by "Stranger on The Shore" and I think of your father. You shared long ago that this was his favorite song, and now that thought lives on through this invisible chord between your blog and the world. It is so touching and magical that you wrote this today because it would have been MY dad's birthday, August 13. He would have been 75, and has been gone 11 years.

I understand, Kim. >>

[Linda]

I miss my dad every single day too! He was in my life 26 of my 56 years, and there isn't a day that goes by in all these 30 years since he passed that I don't have a memory of him. Thank you for sharing your post with this Daddy's girl!

[Daisy Cottage]

((((Elizabeth Ann)))))

Love,
Me

[Daisy Cottage]

((((Linda))))

Love,
Me

[Christine Drevo]

These letters are precious and a great keepsake something to be treasured forever.

[sweet cottage dreams]

....dear sweet Kim.....I am so happy that you have something so special and so intimently personal of your dad's. To see his handwriting and read the words that he felt so deeply in his heart can only be one of the best treasures ever. To have lost your father so young is so tragic. Like you told me of Jordy...you are breathing for him now.

I love you,
(((hugs))))
Becky

Oh and yes, I know your heart.

[ursula]

Oh, I do understand. I'd always been a Daddy's girl, and when he passed in April 2005, I thought, "I can't imagine a world without my dad in it." He was my go-to person, my rock. It was tough for sure then, but still now, I feel this loss every day. Treasure those letters.

[The Decorated House]

Hello Sweet Kim~
I know you'll hit the heart with this one. I have been on a search for anything about, or from, my father for a few years. All the military documents were lost in a fire as anyone knows who has tried to search.

I have 2 letters. He wrote them to the first young man in his unit who was killed in France during WWII. He never got over it. He wrote the letters many years after the death.

I have only one picture of him as a child. And a few when he was a young man in his 30's. He was very special, as most of our dads were I'm sure.

I miss him so much more now than ever.
Lots of Hugs, Donna

[shawn]

mom,
this is really neat to see! :)
keep going strong because 25 years of you and dad just isn't close to being enough.

[Adrienne]

Dear Kim -
What a wonderful treasure you have. I understand because I miss my sweet dad so much and I can still hear his voice, smell his smell and feel his hugs. And at times I think I see him coming up the walk to my little cottage and I just k-n-o-w that any minute the doorbell will ring and I'll hear his voice say, 'Whatcha doing?' Hold these letters close and cherish them forever - they are a link to your precious father and you will never forget him.
~Adrienne~

P.S. - Joey knew I was typing this to you so he barked and begged to get on my lap to be sure I tell Maggie that he wishes she could come over to run and play and his yard with him!

[Tara]

Kim, this is the sweetest post EVER! I adore your love for your father and these letters are amazing. :)

[Jane]

Kim,

This is such a special post, I see everyone agrees. There is something so intimate about a letter and I could have just alone cried over the letter itself because it was so heartfelt, but more so because I know how much his letters mean to you.

I think you have and will make all of us remember our fathers today, whether they are with us or not. I know I want to call my dad right now.

Thank you so much for letting us in on this very personal and special part of your life.

xoxo
Jane

[down pillow]

I sit here wiping away a small tear, because immediately before reading your blog I was looking at the pictures a friend sent to me. It was an album of photos taken two days ago. She and her two daughters were at an airport in Japan greeting her husband who had been stationed in Afghanistan for the last 9 months. Their reunion was filled with love and hope and gratitude, the same as in these snippets that I read of the letters. Thank you for sharing.

[Pam]

Lovely keepsakes. Sweet memories.

[AnnetteD]

My dad died in June 2006 and I think of him every day. Dads are our first boyfriend, aren't they? I am tearing up right now. Those letters are precious.

[rue]

I do understand sweet Kim...

I think you know about my grandfather who was like a dad to me. Anyway, I have his pictures everywhere and when I look at them I always say "Hi Papa. I love you" I miss him every day too and he's been gone since I was 16.

I wish I was there, so I could give you a big giant hug.

love you,
rue

[Jennifer]

WOW! Just gorgeous. You are so lucky to have those beautiful letters. My heart has grown two sizes!!!

[MimiG]

Kim - thank you for sharing this post - anything relating to a "Dad" is ALWAYS welcome!
I had my dad for 47 years, and I'm so grateful. He was my hero and I miss him every day. I love looking at pictures that have him in them, whether he's the focus or not.
Great memories - you have a wonderful keepsake.
MimiG

[Amy]

Beautiful post! What a wonderful treasure to have!

[Becky @ Farmgirl Paints]

So glad you have something precious to remember your dad by. I do understand:)

[julie - eab designs]

I am so touched by your post, having lost my dad a year ago. Thankfully, I still feel his presence but miss him so also. Thank you for sharing your beautiful letters and reminding us all that we are not alone in the loss of a loved one.

[Kal]

Wow, you are so lucky to have those letters. What a great gift! I lost my dad when I was only 18 years old, I do understand.

[I'm Julia @ Drawn to the Sea]

Such precious treasures, precious memories. I know it's not the same, but I'm sure your daddy walks by your side, & is still there anytime you need him.

At 54 I still need my daddy. I think I'll go call him right now.

((hugs))

[Debi]

Kim, How wonderful that you have those precious letters written by your dad.
I lost my mom 23 years ago, and my dad, just last month....I understand.
Hugs, Debi

[Millie]

Your post brought a tear or two to my eye. My Dad has been gone 22 years and I still miss him lots. As milestones in our family occur, I wish I could tell him. He was a teacher, and now our grandson would like to choose that as a career...how pleased he would be!

[Becky G.]

I am 57 years old, and still have my dad. But he is failing fast, and each time I see him, he seems weaker, more frail, and his strong spirit a bit less strong. It is so hard watching this progression. And I have now become the parent; a remarkably hard job for me! But tomorrow we are going to have an outing, just my dad and me, and spend some time together. It's those days I'll remember when he is no longer here.

[Madai]

Oh dear, too sweet Kim... how precious that you have them, I'm a wreck over here...
hugs to you dear, you are such a kind and beautiful person, I'm sure your father was and is extremely proud of his beautiful little girl.
lots of love and {{{{hugs}}}}
Madai

[Cindy]

Kim,

You are so right! I cried as I read your post. There is not a single day that goes by that I don't miss my dad. His heart's desire was for me to be a teacher. He was never able to obtain the education that he desired but he made certain that I did.Even though he was a self- taught man, he was smarter than any professor I ever had in college. He taught me to read when I was just a little over 3 years old and instilled a love for reading and learning that has carried me thorough the years. I cannot pick up a book to read or cross the threshold into my classroom without seeing his face in my mind. And every single time I hear a child (that I have taught) read for the very first time.......I think of my dad.
A huge hug to you today! Cindy

[Vicki]

Oh Kim,
What gift to have those precious hand written letters! Cherish them,and your memories!
Thank you for sharing!

[Allison]

Awww. How sweet that your mom kept those and you know have them. He loved your mom so much!

All the best,
Allison

[carol]

Dear Kim,
I lost my father when I was 27 and yes it still hurts (I'm 54). It breaks my heart he didn't get to see my sons grow up!

[Joanne]

Dear Kim,
Monthes back I e mailed you (something I have never done to any other blogger) and told you how much I enjoyed your blog, especially your musical tribute to your Dad. In fact, I compiled your songs onto my iPOD and call it "Daisy Cottage"! I loved how you commented that your music was for your Dad- and that was all I ever knew of your Dad. NOW I know why I was so drawn to your blog. Your unending love for your father. I am 53; my Dad died when I was 6. I have a few fleeting memories of him, and most recently did some genealogical work and discovered his ancestors who are still alive and living in Poland on the same farm he grew up on, before immigrating to the USA. I too have one or two letters he wrote to his niece in Poland, 6 months before he suddenly died. His niece is now 84 years old and kept those letters for 45 years. When I contacted her ( through nothing short of a miracle!) she sent them to me! I am thrilled to have them! To all of you with your fathers still here, love them, please, for me! And for you women with children even thinking of divorcing the father of your children, think twice... a loss is a loss. A father's role in a child's life should NEVER be underestimated. I have spent a good deal of my life wondering who I might have been had I had the love and encouragement of my father... Thanks for letting me shed a most heart-felt happy tear here Kim...

[Marilyn]

I too lost my father at a young age. I also have some letters he wrote, but they were to me. He wrote them while he went through the pain of cancer and one of them I cannot read, because he wrote it before he went for an operation, and he said he would soar like an eagle...he died 3 weeks before he got to see his first grandchild...too sad and too unfair. We are so lucky to have had dads who loved us and loved our mothers. I have been without him longer than I had him. I would have loved to have known him more. He was a really neat guy.
Thank you for making us remember them....

[Esther Sunday]

Thanks for sharing this with us. I am one of the fortunate ones in that at 46, I still have both my parents (mom is a breast AND colon cancer survivor, dad has heart/stroke issues). They are turning to me more and more both emotionally and on business stuff. I am thrilled that the tables are turned so that I can give back to them as much as they have given me. I constantly thank them for everything they have done for me and tell them how much I love them. Sometimes, I have to be very, very patient with them. Thank you to you, Kim, and to the others that have posted here, reminding me to continue taking those extra moments that I have been doing to love and honor my parents.

[Daisy Cottage]

(((((((ALL OF YOU)))))))))

Love,
Me

[Elaine/MuddlingThrough]

I do know exactly. I miss my Daddy, too. Every day.

[Mary Lou]

I miss my dad, too. He died in 2003, and even now I can get very misty over my memories of him. I was "his redhead". When I cleaned out my parent's home when my mom moved, I found lots of things from my dad. One of my favorites is his record collection. Sometimes I just like to bring out some of his things and look at them, too.
(((Big Hug)))))
Mary Lou

[Kevin (hubby)]

With tears in my eyes remembering my best friend and second dad. God made only one of him and the world is a bit smaller place without him here...

[Patty]

Where is that box of tissues!!!!! I went back to read your post you linked to. Thanks for sharing your sweet, sweet memories with us. Losing my father was the hardest thing I have ever done. It's wonderful that you can connect with the song he loved so much. Funny, I had never heard it before and I somehow "connect" with it too. You have the sweetest soul.
Love,
Patty

[Karen]

Yes, I do understand. What a beautiful treasure to have.

[Sharon Andress]

Kim
My parents were married for 3 months in 1942 when my father was sent "overseas". They really did not know what that meant and when or if they would ever see each other again. They had been friends all their lives and had known since they were preteens that they were in love and wanted a life together, so I can imagine how difficult it was for her to see him go under those circumstances. My brother and I share the letters that he wrote to her during the intervening 3 years before he came home again. Most of them are censored, with the words actually cut out---he couldn't mention where he was and if he did it was removed. Can you imagine writing love letters that you know someone else will read? My father was a talented artist and many of the letters are filled with drawings. The one I treasure was written 2 months before D-Day, and has a drawing of the two of them. It is framed and hanging in my bedroom. Everytime I watch Saving Private Ryan, I think about my 22 year old farm boy father who did that successfully, else I wouldn't be here. I am glad you have your father's letters and treasure them.
Sharon

[sondra]

What a precious thing to have and to have shared on your blog. Sadly, I do know how much you must miss your dad. I lost my dad over 30 years ago, just before the birth of my second son. Miss him everyday!

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Oh Kim,
I want to give you a hug. What a treasure you have there. In just seeing that handwriting, all the world feels safe doesn't it? I have a scrap of paper with my name in my dad's writing and the last Christmas card he gave me. He didn't know there was a blank card on the outside too, so I have two cards exactly the same, one with his "love Dad" and one without... I keep them tucked together just like when I opened the card. I think somehow I'm thinking of saying, do you need this blank card for someone else, dad? Every year at Christmas I wish I could ask him that so very much.
Your posts about your dad always touch my heart and I feel you're writing for my feelings of my dad too. Wish I could tell you how happy I am you have those nine letters, (((Kim))).
xo~Tracie

[DeniseLynn]

Beautiful.

[Laurie]

It is so wonderful to have such fond memories of your dad...and letters to remind you just why he was so special. My mother gave me the letters my dad wrote to her during WW II. He was a GI stationed in Shanghai China. A few of the letters were edited as he was in military intelligence. I cherish those letters. Makes me teary to think about them. Thanks for sharing with us.

[DanaSmith]

I had my Dad for 27 years and my Mom for 33 years so I know well. I'm an only child. I recently had some of their home movies transfered over to DVD....talk about a cry fest! One part of my Mother and Dad the Christmas before I was born(I'm a Jan. baby). Your post was so touching to me!
Dana in VA

[Ceekay]

Yes, I understand. I was 9 when my Dad passed. I don't have as many memories as you....but I do have a few precious things, one is a letter to me when he was ill. I totally understand.

[Teresa]

I know EXACTLY how you feel...I only had my dad 41 years of my 52 years...I miss him very much, especially now that I'm going to be a grandmother...he would have loved that for me...and loved becoming a great-grand-dad himself. We are lucky and blessed beyond measure to have had men like our dads in our lives.

(((HUGS)))
Teresa

[LOVE THE DECOR]

What an absolutely wonderful blog! I am looking forward to getting to know you through it. Fairly new to blogging what a fun new world I have entered in to.

[Pat VonSick]

Kim,
I check your blog everyday and today's was especially touching. I miss my Dad everyday too. No matter how many years, time heals nothing and the missing is still there. I have only one letter of my dad's written while he was in the Navy to his sister. I have it framed with his photo in his Navy uniform and I look at it each day. I'm so proud of him as I know you are of your's. Thank you for sharing.
Pat

[cindy h]

Oh my! I can't stop the tears. My dad was my best friend !! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. He too loved my mother deeply and was by her side for 54 years.I remember at the dinner after his burial my younger brother (there were 4 of us) said " I'm so glad I was Dad's favorite" I replied " I was his favorite..my neices and nephews replied I was his favorite !!"" How we laughed and cried.. Thats' how he treated ALL of us..with love.lots of love..
Thank you for sharing.
((Hugs))
Cindy H

[Heidi]

Dear Kim,
You have really connected with so many people who relate to your feelings of loss. Just this afternoon I started getting teary eyed (again) over my beautiful mother who died two years ago. My Daddy is still with us, at 88 he's slowed down a lot, but I'm grateful for every phone call, every day we can spend together. Your post really reminded me to count my blessings, and I hope all of these messages of support made you feel a little better today. The human experience is really difficult, sometimes, isn't it? But you are not alone!

[Debbie L.]

(((Kim))) I wish I could give you a big hug now. Precious letters. You have such a big heart and Im sure your dear Daddy is smiling down from heaven at you. He would be so proud of his daughter.

I lost my Daddy 13 yrs ago and I have saved a special drawer in my armoire where I keep his last slippers, watch, his Boy Scout Manual and his diary. I can hardly open that drawer that so many sweet memories flood into my mind.

Thank you for sharing with us today. Kim, may you always feel your Dad's love surrounding you. God bless.

Hugs,
Debbie L.

[Anne]

What a sweet post. My parents died two weeks apart, my dad a week before Christmas 1999 and my mom a week after Christmas. Their 60th anniversary would have been on Christmas Day. I miss them all the time. I have a box of letters that my dad wrote my mom before they were married, and have still only been able to bring myself to read a few of them, but they are full of love and plans, like the ones you have from your dad. How fortunate we are to have had wonderful dads who weren't afraid to put their thoughts in writing!

[Tracey]

Those love letters are priceless. I'm so glad you treasure them because they are so special. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your parents love.

[Eugenia]

Kim,

Thank you for sharing. I had my father for 24 years and my sister for 26 years of my 44 years. I am slowly losing my mother now.

Even though my mother doesn't remember my name she remembers my father's name. Our parents are precious.

[Cindy]

My dad passed away in 2000. I can sometimes smell him and feel him and I know he is here with me. Sometimes he rides in the car with me, I tell him I am not going to breakfast and he leaves (he loved going out for breakfast).

[Shannon]

I love you..<3

[Anita]

My lip is sticking out, trying not to quiver. All girlies love their Daddies. I had mine for 21 years...and losing him was the worst day of my life...but he comes back to me, in dreams and at the hardest times of my life...and I can smell him and hear him...and I know he is with me...I have a msall box of things I got from my Mom that were his...and a stack of letters he wrote to ME when I was away at college and living in Paris...and I cry like the dickens when I reread them...I sure hope he is waiting at the gate when I get to Heaven

[Sally]

Okay. I too know exactly how you feel even though it has been 36 years since my dad passed away at the age of 56. I was 25. The years pass but the memories never fade. Girls(and boys) are truly blessed who have wonderful fathers. I am sorry that my children never got to know my dad. He would have been a wonderful grandfather. I have very few letters my father wrote to my mother but I have every letter and postcard he ever wrote to me.
Thanks for sharing from your heart.
Time to wipe the tears away...

[Tammy/Yesterday's Cottage]

Wow! That one sure hit home! How wonderful those letters are and that you now have them as the keeper of such precious memories. I was such a "Daddy's Girl" and only had him until I was 16. But, my wise Mama said "Would you have rather had YOUR Daddy for 16 years or someone less wonderful for 50 years?" That sure puts things in perspective! We are the lucky ones - we were truly blessed!

[Caren]

I do understand your feelings. I lost my dad 7 years ago and it is still hard.

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

How well I understand. My dad passed when I was 33 and I miss him still. I have an old postcard that he wrote to us once when he working in Florida sometime in the late 50s I think. It has a bunch of pelicans on the front and a silly poem about pelicans. I treasure that postcard.

[missy]

i'm crying!

[Rayna]

This post is so sweet and it reminds me of a book called "The Wednesday Letters." I think you will like it.

[Vicky Elias]

I'm broken up. My Mom passed away in 2000. My Dad is closer to me now than ever. My parents are the most precious loves of my life. Thank you for sharing and I feel so much for everyone here!

[Debbie]

It seems that you hit a nerve with many women. Fathers are so important for a girl. I'm so thankful that my dad is still alive at 80 years old. He's very much with it and active, despite his cardiac condition. I'm so grateful to still have him and I cherish that.

[Barbara]

Kim, What a beautiful and heart warming post. I don't think it matters what age you are when you lose your father or mother, they are always in your heart and on your mind.
I know you treasure those letters.

Barbara

[Kathy]

What a beautiful keepsake those letters are! It seems that some of the most precious things we can have are loving words written by someone we love. I am surprised that your mother could give them up! The relationship between girls and their fathers is one of those mysterious bonds that can't be explained. They are our first example of how someone of the opposite sex will treat us and love us some day and the tenderness and love they show us is so different. How wonderful to have these pieces of his thoughts and dreams and love to your mother:>)

[Suzann]

What an amazing treasure you hold.

[Candy @ SoBella Creations]

It must be wonderful to know your father as a person before he was married with children. An Amazing gift.

Hugs

[Philippine Real Estate]

Aw! That’s so sad… I’m so sorry to hear this. your father must be so proud looking down and smiling at you of what wonderful daughter he had.

[Lisa]

This post should have come with a hanky alert. :) All I could think while reading it was how wonderful it is that his dreams came true and how happy he must have been to have you for a daughter. I'm sorry you lost him so early in your life. I don't have a relationship with my dad. We haven't spoken in years. I always cherish reading about good father-daughter relationships. Yours is precious.

I grew up in WV, btw. :)

[Julie]

I lost my mom 18 years ago and my dad 3 years ago and I also have some notes that my dad wrote to my mom. They are so special to me and its not just that he wrote to my mom but its also having something with his handwriting on it. He had the most beautiful handwriting that I have ever seen a man have!

[Gigi]

I absolutely understand (with tears in my eyes as I type this). I lost my dad 6 years ago and know I'll never be the same. I miss him so much.

[Colleen]

What an amazing thing to have all those love letters to your Mother from your Daddy!What a treasure! My Mother died when I was 26 and my Daddy passed away just three years ago. Still miss them so very much and feel like an orphan! I know those letters can make you cry but you are so lucky to have them!

[jennifer]

Like you, I miss my Dad so much. He went to Heaven almost 15 years ago and I miss him as much today as I did then. As a friend of mine once said, 'you never get over it, you just get used to it.'
But...I will see him again one day, then never have to say good-bye again. :)
I look forward to that day.

[Rhondi]

Oh Kim
You made me cry too!! I had my dad for 33 years of my life and I still miss him.
Rhondi xo

[Joni]

Those letters are indeed a TREASURE. I am so glad you cherish them and that your mother was kind enough to share them with someone she knew would always remember him.
XOXO
Joni

[bungalowbliss]

What a beautifully touching post you have created. I'm so glad that you have these letters--a sweet treasure, indeed.

[Roxie]

I am glad you have such good memories of your father. I lost my father about 5 years ago. He was a good wood worker and I have many of the wonderful things he made. They are treasure. Blessings

[Rose - The Center of My Self]

With tears in my eyes and a catch in my heart, I do understand. Those nine letters are a precious gift; your memories are the greatest treasure.

[Nancy Hutson Maisenbach]

This post should be published and read by every father and father to be in the world!
Some do not seem to know how important their love is to their children.
Since my mothers passing my dad has been more loving. I appreciate this. Just not like I would if he had shown his love to me when I was young. The warm tender memories are not there. Dad did the best he could and was a better father than his father was to him.
I do have a loving husband and see daily his devotion to our children (who are not children)and grandchildren.
God heals hearts!
Gratefully,
Nancy M.

[Monica]

Dear Kim,
I lost my daddy in 2000. He had a long life being born in 1914....no one is ever ready to give up the man who took care of them and showed them such unconditional love. My father and I did a lot of things together, my mom always said I was my "dad's boy"....'cause he could always get me to help him with things that he needed.

I remember going to my parents house after my daddy passed away and sitting in his recliner...and like you, actually smell the scent of my daddy.

I look at the stars in the sky and if I see a falling star (which I see on occasion) I always feel that is a sign from my daddy telling me things will be fine. That may sound silly but it sure has helped me on several lonely evenings.

I found several letters that my mother received from my father (these were written during WWII) like your letters she had them tied together with a red ribbon, I kept them but never read them....think I will do that soon.

Your Hoosier Friend,
Monica

[Beverly]

Bless your heart. And, yes I do know just what you mean. I wasn't quite 34 when my daddy died. I miss him every single day.

[jessica]

I am in tears! Your dad sounds like such a romantic man!
You reminded of a letter my dad once wrote my mom. It was their anniversary and we were broke. He didn't have money to buy her a gift so he wrote her a love letter. That was his gift to her and it was perfect.
I remember the day like it was just yesterday. I came out of my room and saw my dad and my mom standing in the hall...looking at each other with love in their eyes. I was a teen at the time and kinda ruined the moment. I loudly asked,"Hey what's wrong?" My mom looked at me with tears in her eyes and handed me the letter...I ready it (while they both watched) and halfway through I was bawling my eyes out. It was BEAUTIFUL! I didn't know my dad could write such beautiful things. I remember telling him (through sobs)"Dad this is so beautiful." He unexpectedly passed away in 2002. My mother moved and during the move the letter got lost. That was the only thing I wanted...it was truly a masterpiece!
I am so glad you have your dad's letter. I think it was so wonderful of your mother to pass them on to you...I have this feeling that one day, in the future, your daughter will be blogging about her 9 letters. What a wonderful story...Thanks for sharing it!

[Michele]

Bawling like a baby now.

Kim, I believe you are so full of love that you actually have some to spare for strangers.......maybe it is because you and your father had a good relationship? Like you, I tend to be happy person, and I oftentimes think it was due to my father loving me. it gives the weirdest kind of confidence, it is difficult to explain to those who didn't have a good relationship with their fathers.

We lost Pop in 2000, and my angel of a mom in 1995 and there isn't a single day I don't miss them.

By the way Moom River was my mom's favorite song, and hear I am listening to it on your blog. Definately more sobbing now. My mom used to play it on the piano and I would sing it for her - ALL the TIME.

Funny, just last night I had a dream about Dad, too.

Anyway, I think it is fabulous you have those letters. It is so precious.

Now to find some more tissues........or better yet, one of mom's vintage hankies that I inherited.......

[patricia eaton]

Kim, I understand completely. I had my Dad for 29 years of my 64 year old life. Many good memories....pat

[Tina in Duluth]

Sweet, sweet post!

My mom is from Spencer, W. Va. too. What a small world the internet makes.

[Catherine]

That is so sweet Kim! What treasures those 9 letters are.
Hugs,
Cathie

[Darlie]

Surely there is not a soul on earth who would not be deeply touched by this post. It is one of the few post ever to have made me tearful.
DarLie
aka "LiBBy BuTTons"

[Donna]

Kim,
Great post. I've always enjoyed listening to "Stranger on the Shore" when I come to your blog. (I just went back and read where you posted about your dad) Now I'll enjoy it even more. I miss my daddy, too. *sniff* I have his letter he wrote to "the folks" during WWII. I love to read them.
D

[Tara]

Kim-

I've visited your site often, but never commented. Your post really touched me. I am so glad for fathers like your dad in the world. It makes it easier for girls to be whole and healthy when they have a good dad. Like you, my little girl has a special one, she is lucky. Just like you!

[carol hall]

my sweet soul sister kim! they say that time helps you get through a loss but i believe that as time goes on you miss them more ...as the only girl in a home full of 6 brothers i really was DADDY'S GIRL" ! HE USED TO TELL ME I WAS HIS FAVORITE DAUGHTER AND I WOULD SAY ..."BUT DAD !" "I AM YOUR ONLY DAUGHTER ! AND THEN WITH THAT LOVING WAY OF MAKING ME BELIEVE THAT ANY THING THAT CAME FROM MY DAD"S MOUTH WAS NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH ...HE WOULD SMILE AND SAY ...BUT CAROL ..IF I HAD 10 DAUGHTERS YOU WOULD STILL BE MY FAVORITE!!!HE CALLED ME "SWEET HEART" AND MY YOUNGER BROTHER STEVE WAS "CUP CAKE"!AS DAD WOULD SAY GOODNIGHT TO ALL OF US HE WOULD CALL MY BROTHER AND MY-SELF THOSE SPECIAL NAMES THAT WERE OURS;;; AND THEN MY OLDER BROTHER RAY WOULD SPEAK UP AND SAY" "HEY! '"WHAT IS MY NICK -NAME"? AND DAD WOULD SAY...A 'FOOT UP THE BUTT" WOULD BE A PRETTY GOOD ONE FOR YOU RAY !!!...OF COURSE THAT BROUGHT SO MUCH LAUGHTER FROM ALL OF US THAT WE SHARED THOSE HAPPY TIMES OF KNOWING THAT WE WERE LOVED AND YES WE WERE REALLY POOR AND ATE ALOT OF" BEANS AND TATERS" ...AND PUT CARD-BOARD IN OUR SHOES UNTIL WE COULD AFFORD TO GET A NEW PAIR.. (HMMM.. MAYBE THAT"S WHY I LOVE SHOES SO MUCH NOW)HA-HA ... AND WE WERE NOT SPOILED WITH MATERIAL THINGS .. BUT WE KNEW WE WERE LOVED. WE WERE TAUGHT TO DO UNTO OTHERS AND RAISED TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH RESPECT. AND ALWAYS SAID " THANK YOU FOR THE WORLD SO SWEET ..THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD WE EAT.. THANK YOU FOR THE BIRDS THAT SING THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERY-THING !PAPER DOLLS WERE MY TOYS AND COWBOYS AND INDIANS WERE SO MUCH FUN ! I COULD GO ON FOR ALWAYS WITH MY MEMORIES OF OUR FAMILY AND MOST OF ALL I WILL ALWAYS KNOW I WAS LOVED ! MY DADDY WAS THE SWEETEST MAN NEXT TO JESUS AND I BET HE WOULD HAVE 'TRIED" TO WALK ON WATER IF I WOULD HAVE JUST ASKED HIM TO ...I MISS HIM SO MUCH AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO!(WHEN I HEAR MARIAH CAREY SING 'HERO" I KNOW SHE IS SINGING THAT ABOUT MY DADDY ! GOD BLESS YOU KIM ..WE WILL BE O.K OUR DADDYS ARE SHING DOWN ON US FROM HEAVEN! WE ARE BLESSED! AND LOVED !YOU ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS MS. KIM ///CAROL HALL