Love Letters to ... Dear Mom & Dad
Updated: Feb 7, 2023
As we are celebrating memories in the month of love, I do recognize that some memories are not always lovely. However, I am taking time this month to write a series of Love Letters to the people I cherish in my life. Please take the freedom to share my letters with those you love, or take this opportunity to write letters of your own. Either way, let’s share some love this February.
Thanks for jumping on the “Love Train” with me!
People all over the world
Join hands
Start a love train, love train
People all over the world
Join hands
Start a love train, love train …
Written by: Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Dear Mom and Dad …
On this first day in the month of love, I want to take the time to thank you for the years of sacrificial love you have given to me. You never seemed to run short of love for any of the four of us. You stretched every dollar and made us feel like the richest children alive. I know that could not have been easy as we were stationed at so many different military bases, in and out of the country, in and out of new groups of friends and communities. I appreciate the example you provided for me as a military wife (even though you said we didn’t move enough to warrant that title!), and your ability to make everything look so easy. You showed us the good, and often shielded us from the hurtful. Thank you for protecting us from some of the drama!
Mom, you are not here now to receive these inadequate words I am writing today, but I hope I said them enough to you when you were present, so you knew exactly how much I loved you. You are so missed in my life with Chris and our children. I miss our trips to the grocery and fabric stores, the antique shops, the orchid shows and, most of all, I miss the days you were in my home when I woke up. I miss your humming in my kitchen. I miss your contagious laugh! Sometimes my days were very hard when Chris was deployed, and Robert needed extra hands for his care. You always stood by me and gave me 100% of yourself. I am so glad you did not see Robert’s pain in his last days; it would have crushed your heart. I pray you two are having some good laughs together.
Dad, it is not often that I express how much I love you when we are together. It was a hard thing for me to do growing up because you are such a powerful presence in any room. Your stature and position of honor always demands my attention and respect. I guess that is how most people feel around you — in awe of you. I will try to do better in the coming days.
But there is a side of you, Major General Robert C. Gaskill, Sr., that many people do not get a chance to see! You have a special relationship with all of your grandkids who see right through your Army rank straight into your heart, and that closeness welcomes them to call you “Boom-Boom.” One simple action early in our daughter Jessica’s life, as you played with her on the floor shouting, “boom-boom,” birthed your new name. It is amazing to hear our children as adults still using that very endearing title for you. Only a grandchild could have given you that playful new name. And only the heart of a general such as yourself would have allowed it to this day. Our sweet grandson only knows his great granddad, “Boom-Boom,” to be you. No uniform is necessary!
Dad, as the days pass this month and you remember this love letter, please know I am so thankful that God allowed me to be called your daughter. My life has been full of curiosity and exploration because you always kept that sense of adventure in our lives. Our epic road trips in the station wagon growing up gave my three siblings and me memories that very often are shared with our own children. The mountain drives, Sunday afternoon house-viewing rides, the adventurous visits to foreign landmarks, and the travel to historic locations made our lives rich with culture. We grew to appreciate communities of diversity because of your careful and strategic planning. I believe we are better adults in our communities because we seek to follow your example.
In all the ways you chose to help support us as we cared for Robert, I am especially grateful. The times you sent Mom to help me made a world of difference to us. Mom always said “yes” when I needed her, and you always provided the way to make that happen. I hope now that Chris and I have a grandson, we will notice the places where we can lend support like you did so beautifully.
Thank you for the ways in which you showed me love. I know I am your favorite, Juli Anne! XOXO
Listening Library: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (This is the most beautiful version of this song performed by my parents’ childhood friend, Roberta Flack.)
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NIV)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I'll dry them all
I'm on your side Oh when times get rough And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part Oh when darkness comes And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine Oh if you need a friend I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind Like a bridge over troubled water I can ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water I can ease your mind
Songwriters: Paul Simon, Ivana Kindl
Bridge Over Troubled Water lyrics © Paul Simon Music, Sony/ATV Songs LLC
