In April of 1953, my grandfather Alfred Roberts (born Rottenberg) sat down to write a long letter to his three sons (my father and my two uncles.) Two weeks earlier, Alfred’s wife of 19 years, Betty, had died at the tender age of 39 from asthmatic complications.
I love all of your writings, David! The current events ones make me learn something and challenge me to think about things in a more meaningful way. The family and personal stories are really touching and beautifully written.
It seems there's been a history of read after death letters in the family. They create perspective and expectation around the values of a name. You can't resist wondering what legacy you wish to leave behind. Though singing on a drive as if you just don't care is a pretty valuable message too! xoxox
A moving recollection, filled with good life lessons. I have written something to my daughters -- a self-published book, not a letter -- that explains family history that predates their birth, then carries forward to time they probably remember from their youth growing up overseas. Since that is different from the experience of most of their friends, I thought it deserved a little explanation. I gave them each copies of that book for Christmas two years ago. I have no indication any of them have read the book, but I think it likely they will do so at some time in the future, probably after I am gone. BTW, for anyone interested in doing the same, Lulu facilitates self-publishing at a moderate price and turns out a finished product.
I encourage everyone to write their children, passing on family history and memories.
Wonderful family story. After my aunt died and my uncle was moved to assisted living, I was helping to prepare their home for an estate sale. I came across a large box of letters between my aunt and uncle during WWII, that started while he was in Naval officers training, and on through the war.
Of course, the letters were dated, and I spent a long time reading, although I never got through all of them.
Unfortunately, they never had children, but I was close to them, and they were wonderful to me. What I finally decided to do was give the letters to the Veterans Museum, in Madison, WI. They were happy to receive the letters, and said they would be archived and made available for research purposes.
Great story. Would love to see a family photo.
I love all of your writings, David! The current events ones make me learn something and challenge me to think about things in a more meaningful way. The family and personal stories are really touching and beautifully written.
It seems there's been a history of read after death letters in the family. They create perspective and expectation around the values of a name. You can't resist wondering what legacy you wish to leave behind. Though singing on a drive as if you just don't care is a pretty valuable message too! xoxox
A moving recollection, filled with good life lessons. I have written something to my daughters -- a self-published book, not a letter -- that explains family history that predates their birth, then carries forward to time they probably remember from their youth growing up overseas. Since that is different from the experience of most of their friends, I thought it deserved a little explanation. I gave them each copies of that book for Christmas two years ago. I have no indication any of them have read the book, but I think it likely they will do so at some time in the future, probably after I am gone. BTW, for anyone interested in doing the same, Lulu facilitates self-publishing at a moderate price and turns out a finished product.
I encourage everyone to write their children, passing on family history and memories.
Moving post. Novel worthy. Or short story, at least!
Well said, all of it.
Wonderful family story. After my aunt died and my uncle was moved to assisted living, I was helping to prepare their home for an estate sale. I came across a large box of letters between my aunt and uncle during WWII, that started while he was in Naval officers training, and on through the war.
Of course, the letters were dated, and I spent a long time reading, although I never got through all of them.
Unfortunately, they never had children, but I was close to them, and they were wonderful to me. What I finally decided to do was give the letters to the Veterans Museum, in Madison, WI. They were happy to receive the letters, and said they would be archived and made available for research purposes.
What a powerful piece to have <3 <3