Two Letters

My mother died 18 years ago from a rare liver disease. She was only sixty-four! As Providence would have it I was with her when she passed on to glory. A flock of sparrows, gathered in the tree outside her hospital window, chirped incessantly as she was ushered to her new home beyond this world sickness and sorrow. In the autumn when the air turns crisp, and the Shasta daisies toss their heads in the breeze, I once again hear the heavenly song of the sparrows. The golden haze of October and the memory of my mother are forever ingrained upon my heart. How I long to sit and talk with her about everyday things. 

My journey into writing began when I was led to write a poem for my mother's memorial service. This was a new experience for me because I was an artist, not a writer. Putting words on paper wasn't important until I needed to publicly honor my mother. Suddenly, in a burst of inspiration, the words came flowing out of my heart. 

Since that time it has become a tradition of mine to bless my family and friends with words of love and appreciation. Whether through the joy of a celebration, the anguish of a memorial service, or just an everyday letter, the deep longing I have to touch another’s heart in a profound way has found itself through the expression of words. Words are life giving, enabling us to encourage our families to walk by faith, and to remind them of the hand of God in every circumstance. By writing letters to our family we leave a testimony of a godly heritage for now and future generations. 

My mother only wrote two letters to me during her lifetime. I treasure them because they show the love she had for me and the multi-generational vision she had for our family. It is a privilege to share these letters with you.

Two Letters from my mother, June Reid

Dear Jill and Bob,

   It’s about 4 a.m. Christmas morning and as I lay here thinking of all of you I want to cry for the joy God has put in my heart for our family. I’ve always prayed He would do special things with each of you. I prayed for your salvation when I really didn’t know Him so well. Can you imagine what He has in store for all of you now that we really know Him? Know Him like we never knew Him before! May the power of God which transcends all understanding be yours forever and may the Holy Spirit hover over all of you, to protect you and guide every hour of every day.

In the Love Christ Jesus,

Mom

Dear Jill,

I want you to know how much I appreciate you thoughtfulness. Everything you do and say is very much appreciated by me, but I don’t always have the chance to put in words what I feel. In loving Claire, you might have some idea how I as a mother have felt for you. That doesn’t change because you are a woman, it just becomes a mature caring at this point and seeing your relationship with Claire tells me that the love my mother had for me has come through to be seen in your love for Claire. Love is what it is all about isn’t it? God love your little family, and may the Holy Spirit abound richly in each one of you.

Love, Mom

There is no time like the present to sit down and pen a letter of love! God only knows how many days we have left to make a difference for Him!

6:26 PM - Jul. 17, 2005 - post comment

What a treasure...

to have those beautiful letters from your mom. Thank you for sharing! Eleanor

ejoyce,ink - 7:02 PM - Jul. 17, 2005

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