TASTY LOVE LETTERS FROM WOMEN... 

From Amy to her grandmother, Geneviéve...

Dear Grandma Geneviéve:

I write this letter to you, although you will never read it on paper.  My hope is that I am sending you my love and thoughts into the universe, and that you will receive them, wherever you are.

I want you to know what an inspiration you have been to me.  Unfortunately, the true measure of how you have influenced and shaped me as a human being was not yet apparent when you were alive.  I wish with all my heart that I could have told you and shown you the ways in which you have made me into the woman I am today.

I think back to the stories you told me when I was too young to fully comprehend the depth of their meaning.  The tales of your bravery in your youth, when you stood up for yourself against the evil of the Nazis who took beloved family members, and about how you courageously set out to create a new life for yourself in a new country.  I am not about the age that you were when you assumed responsibility for your younger siblings, and I cannot imagine the courage that this could have taken.

When I look at pictures of you when you were young, I am proud because I see so many of my features reflected in your own face.  It gives me a profound sense of comfort to see and feel this link between us, even though you are not here for me to see or talk to in person any more.  I want you to know that in spite of this, you will always “be here” with me in many ways which transcend the physical.  You are in my heart every day of my life.

I love you and miss you always,
Love,
Amy

From Amanda to her husband, Jeremy:

Dear Jeremy,

It seems like life is getting busier every day and we don’t always find the time to tell each other all the important things we should say, but I want you to know that you mean the world to me.  I honestly don’t know what I would do without you, and that even goes for the times when you make me crazy!  You are and have always been the shining love of my life.  Happy Valentine’s Day this year and forever!

 

Love,
Amanda

From Liane, the Grownup … to Liane, the Child:

My dear, younger self:

I am writing to tell you something I probably never let you know at the time: I love you!  

Sounds strange, I suppose, but it’s better late than never, right?  At least I hope so …

I look back & I can see you – myself, actually – so clearly.  I remember how it felt to be so hesitant and scared & I wish I could reassure you, tell you that it didn’t matter one bit that you were taller than everyone, including the boys.  I’d tell you that one day you’d be thrilled to tower over the other girls & have long legs.  Who cares if no one asked you to dance at that silly school party?  You’ll have your day!

I’d tell you not to be so shy.  Speak up, girl!  I remember the panicky feeling in the pit of your stomach every day at school: “is the teacher going to call on me today?!  I don’t want to have to talk in front of the whole class.”  I’d tell you that you’ll find your voice, soon enough.  It’s not that bad to be noticed, even if you make a mistake.

I can still picture you, confused & conflicted about what to do with your life!  The pressure of making a choice – a good one that involved doing something meaningful.  The weight of it created so much anxiety … way too stressful for a teenager.  I’d tell you to relax, take your time & just live.  Somehow it will all fall into place, if you just follow your heart & don’t over-think it.

And oh, I remember the let-downs & betrayals.  Your parents – my parents – told you that your heart wouldn’t stay broken forever, but how could you have believed them back then?  The hurt was so strong & the pain so intense.  I’d put my arms around you & just hug & hug, until you felt okay.  I’d tell you about all the wonderful people – the real friends, the true love of your life – just waiting to come into your life.

I am so sorry that I was so hard on you.  I know that often, I still do the same thing to myself: I’m way too hard on myself – pushing & questioning & forgetting to give myself a break.  I’m going to try to remember not to do that.

So, will you be my Valentine?

Love,
Yourself (me)

From Renee Z. to her late Grammy....

Dear Grammy,

It’s been three years since you passed away, and yet the pangs of your lost remain with me still. I suppose it’s because you left behind a legacy so great, that your absence can be seen in each and everyone you left behind. As Valentine’s Day approaches, and as so many changes have happened to our family, I wish you were here to celebrate them. All three of your grandsons graduated high school, I graduated college and moved all the way to California! Mom has begun to study holistic/naturopathic medicine and dad finally finished most of the upgrades in the house! It’s strange, but each and every time we have celebrated one of these events, I felt a part of you there. I want to thank you for the strength of the love you gave while you were here, that it lives on years after you have passed.

The one person I would like to wish a great Valentine’s Day to is Grampy. He misses you so much still. The love you and him had must have been so strong, because I feel like a part of him left with you. Each and every day we try and surround him with as much love as we can.  So on this Valentine’s Day, I want you to know that we love you so much Grammy, and thank you for the selfless love that you gave all of your life, even in spirit. Please help to mend Grampy’s heart so that he too can remember and feel again, the sense of security, happiness, and love that lives on in your memory. I miss you always.
                                
Love always,
                        
Your granddaughter Renee 

From Angela, to her husband Jeremy...

Jeremy,

It seems like I can never tell you that I love you enough.  You are my best friend, my everything.  You amaze me everyday with your love and spirit.  You have been so giving to me and our family and I am so thankful to have you in my life.  Your incredible love and support is what I wake up for in the morning and I look forward to every new day with you.  You have been so wonderful with the girls and I am so proud they will have you as their father throughout their lives.  I love you.

With all my heart, Angela

From Heather and her Partner to their unborn child.... Dear Unborn Child,
 
I admit it feels odd to address you as an unborn child. The reality is - your mommy and I have dreamt of you so often that we can almost feel the smoothness of your skin, see the pink of your toe nails and laugh at the crookedness of your grin.
 
The crooked grin, you'll get from me. Don't hate me for it. Someone will find it adorable and love you for it. Just the way your mother loves mine. 
 
Speaking of your mother, you should know coming into this world that you couldn't ask for a better mommy. She's a huge corn ball and will think anything you do is the best thing EVER. She'll attend every play, science fair, sporting event or hair cut you'll ever have. She'll always believe in you and your dreams.
 
That being said, I'm advising you now that drug usage and being a slob will not be tolerated. Clearly, one of those things is worse than the other, but in our household, both incur severe consequences. I feel it only fair that we be upfront about  those issues as early as possible.
 
They say you can't pick your family. I say they're wrong. We've already picked you and decided that no matter who you are, who you love or what you grow up to be, you are our child to love and nurture.
 
We promise to provide you with everything you need; to instill values; to love you unconditionally; to set limits even when you fight them; to acknowledge your heart break and pain; to provide a unified parental front; and to have faith and confidence in you during the times when you can't muster it yourself.
 
We love you and can't wait to meet you,
 
Mommy and Mom-A