"I love you"

I talk to my parents every Sunday. We’ve been doing this since I moved to Chicago from downstate nearly 10 years ago, and I don’t think we’ve missed a day unless I was actually with them. We end every conversation with “Love you” and “Love you too.” But over the years the phrase has become almost automatic -- for me, at least -- and I recently realized that I say those words with as little thought behind them as I say “Goodbye” or “See you later.” So I wanted to send an open letter to Mom and Dad to let them know what’s behind the words “I love you,” and to remind myself about how important these two people are in my life.

Dear Mom and Dad,

When I say “I love you,” I mean:

Thanks for being my biggest supporters and cheerleaders, even though I’m sure at times you wondered what the heck I was thinking. Because of your encouragement, I took some risks that have reaped great rewards, knowing I always had “a soft place to fall.”

I respect and admire your example of commitment and responsibility through 60-plus years of marriage; in particular, honoring “for better or for worse; in sickness and in health” over the last couple of years.

Your lessons about the value of honesty, hard work, politeness, and humility are with me every day.

I’m not in debt, thanks to your teachings and example about the value of savings and a good credit rating.

You made reading a part of my life from a very early age; because of this, I have not only been to wonderful imaginary worlds and met fascinating characters, but have found work that I truly enjoy doing.

You deserve a medal for dealing with me during the teen years, when even I didn’t like me very much.

Dad, we never really talk about it, but thank you for risking your life in service to this country. I can’t imagine what you must have experienced. And thank you for showing me how to deal with a serious illness with faith and a sense of humor.

Mom, you have shown me what a true caretaker is. I’m so impressed by how you give of yourself and never ask for praise or recognition -- whether it’s taking care of Dad, volunteering, or keeping the bird feeder filled.

There are so many more things you’ve done for me, for the family, and even for the community -- but these are just a few of the reasons that I love you and always will. Yes, I could have put this in a letter or a card, but I wanted others to know how very blessed I am to have you two special people in my life.

Talk to you Sunday.
“Love you,”
LH