Letter to Dad {Wednesdays with Wanda}

Today, I just want to say how thankful I am for FAMILY.

I have never loved them more.

Since Mom passed away, my family has changed.  Some ways for the worse.

There is definitely a “hole” in our lives without her.

But my family has also changed in some ways…for the better.

One way we have changed is that, more than ever, we are all leaning on each other for support, love, and encouragement.

We are also trying to fill in the “hole” for each other that many of us feel.

My Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and my in-laws have been loving on me, like Mom would have.

My sister has been helping me with my boys, like Mom would have.

My brother has been sending me loving messages to cheer me up, like Mom would have.

My husband has listened to all of my “blog talk”, like Mom would have.

And Dad, well….where do I begin?

Dad has been our rock.  I am amazed at his strength sometimes.

He will admit that he is a little lost without Mom.  She just did so much for all of us.

One of the things she did was always attend my boys’ piano recitals.  She never missed a one.  This is  a picture of her at Jonathan and Luke’s piano recital last Christmas.

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She was so proud of them!

I was sort of dreading the boys’ recital this year because I knew Mom wouldn’t be sitting there beside me holding Eli in her lap, and smiling from ear to ear.

But this year it was special because Dad was there.  He knew that I would be missing Mom, and I kind of think he thought that Mom would want him to be there for my boys.  Dad was filling in the “hole” for me that night.  And it blessed my heart. 

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(And that’s my sister on the left holding Eli.  She entertained Adam and Eli in the hallway during the recital.  Thank goodness!)

I don’t know how people make it without family.  Thank you so much, Dad!

 

Dad,

I know that the past couple of months have been the most difficult of your life.  I know that your heart aches in ways that I could never imagine.  And I know that at times you feel lost without her.  But you have been so strong.  Your hugs are like medicine to all of our broken hearts.   I don’t think you know how lost we would be without you!  And I want you to know that I KNOW Mom is proud of you.  She always was.  You and Mom were “one”.  And being with you is like being with Mom.  We  are going to make it through this.  And I just want you to know how thankful I am that God chose you to be my dad!

I love you,

Traci

21 Comments

  1. Oh Traci. I cannot imagine a better tribute to your mother than the one you just gave. I think we can surprise ourselves with the strength we didn't know we had until we need it most. God Bless you and your family and especially you dear sweet father this Christmas.

  2. Another beautiful post Traci!
    I really enjoy reading your Wednesdays blog!
    I know that losing your mom is the toughest time for you.
    I thank you so much for sharing!
    May God continue to bless you and your family. I know that your mom is so proud of all of you.
    X Patricia

  3. beautiful letter to your father. my eyes are so full of tears reading this entry. i stopped by once before and left a message and just want to reiterate how inspiring your posts are about your mom. i lost my mother in march and i am so sad without her, but like you i am continually thankful for my wonderful father and terrific sisters.

    God bless you and your family.

  4. Gosh Traci, where do I begin…..You seem to say it all! I lost my mother 20 years ago due to breast cancer. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her, and still wish she was here. However, the Lord is my strength, and he has blessed me with a wonderful husband, and children, and now grandbabies. I'm thankful that you have the support of your family to help you through this hard time, and I can tell by your words that you are truely blessed. Have a Merry Christmas, and you're a beautiful lady, I know your mama is proud!
    Blessings,
    Linda @ kindlelight blessings

  5. beautiful! I have so enjoyed getting to know the amazing woman your mom was, It makes me so grateful for the wonderful family I have, and how important it is not to take them for granted.

    I look forward to many more wednesdays with Wanda!

  6. Ok…pass the kleenex!! Traci, as you write each Wednesday post, it's SO clear to see how much you LOVED your Mom, and it's SO special to see how you are honoring her…and how each you..in your family are 'filling' in…and keeping the memory of your Mom alive.

    I continue to lift you and your precious sister up with MUCH prayer!

    Blessings,
    Kim~

  7. I'm crying right now as I read this. Your post was so touching. Family is everything and sometimes people don't realize it until it's too late. You and your family are the smart ones Traci and because of that, you'll all pull through.

    You've got the love of wonderful parents and that along with the love of God will carry you to brighter days. It just takes a little time.

    You were blessed. Your mother sounded wonderful!

  8. I love Wednesday's with Wanda because it reminds me of my own mom who died three years ago. And today, you reminded me of my dad and everything he has gone through. Thank you for reminding me of these things.

    Have a wonderful Christmas.

    Kirsty

  9. Every week I choke up as I read posts about your mother. Mothers are so special aren't they? I can not imagine what it is like to go through the day without your mother. I am sure it is painful but you are so graceful in the words you use to describe the loss of your mother. You are also such a strong woman and mother and what a great example you are setting for your boys. As I read your blog and the comments your friends leave you it is also clear that you are helping others grieve with their own previous losses and that must give you a wonderful feeling and just think how proud your mother must be as she watches down over you. God is great isn't he?

  10. Traci,
    I love this post…your Wednesdays with Wanda posts…and the love that shows through with each word. I so understand missing a mom this time of year and my heart goes out to you and your family. Just know that she is in Heaven and smiling down with pride and love on each of you. It is wonderful that you have your dad and a good relationship with him…I did not have that. I appreciate your sharing!
    xo

  11. This is the first time I have read a post about your mom. I am new to your blog. I am all choked up and don't even have words to say. So glad that your family is pulling together in this time that can be so difficult.

    Ruth

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