I wonder sometimes, how much the generation of technology is missing out on with the cessation of personally written letters. I realize that computers are great in their own way, texting is sly and sending instant pictures can lift someone’s day. But what about later in life, when the person you love might no longer be there? That is the moment when a handwritten, yellowed-with-age letter reaches out and hugs you once more with their previously written words of caring. It is in fact ~ I’m quite sure ~ why God wrote us His letters of love as well. 

I have been working studiously on www.ancestry.com to compile as much information as I can for future generations. In the process, you have to take quite the walk down Memory Lane, both for yourself and with others in your extended family. I have found out about how the incidents in people’s lives are what shapes us into the people we are today. There are stories about previous marriages, death by accident, murder or suicide. People who struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. Others have dealt with verbal and physical abuse. There are times of excitement, adventure, love and tragedy as well as sheer stupidity and fear. Basically, the experiences are what makes up this journey we call our life. I want to quote something I received in my email just the other day regarding the past:

Small Straws in a Soft Wind   by: Marsha Burns—01/27/12

“There is a current shift in the realm of the spirit, and you are standing in a pivotal position between what has been and that which is to come. You will find yourself glancing back at past things for a moment before moving on. However, there will be a temptation to relive old rejections and places of isolation and loneliness. Refuse to allow these memories to cause you to get stuck in oppression and condemnation. The past has no power unless you remember so clearly that you put yourself in the same situation again. But, beloved, the purpose of looking back is to see how far you’ve come and how much you have overcome. Rejoice in this opportunity to take stock before taking the next step. You are an overcomer,” says the Lord.  (italics mine)

Roman 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So as I peruse my scrapbooks, old photos, dates of birth and dates of death, I find both heartwarming as well as heartbreaking milestones in people’s lives. Two days ago, I discovered via ancestry.com and contact with an individual building her own family tree, that someone I was once married to had passed away over eight years ago. It isn’t a story I’m going to go into right now because trust me when I tell you, it could change the whole mood of this post from warm and fuzzy feelings of the heart to incredulous (is this to what you referred when you included sheer stupidity in the previous paragraph?!) within only a sentence or two. I printed out the obituary to include in my own life story scrapbook when another letter fell out onto the floor. Picking it up, I realized it was one in which my dad had written to me right after the divorce when I had moved into my own apartment. It made me cry as I read that letter because I miss my father dearly at times like this. However, I also discovered that I have no desire to jump off Memory Lane and camp anywhere near this time in my life anymore.

I included the letter because I believe it is a shadow of what God the Father feels for us when we walk through those times of simply feeling a bit down. Need I say more than this?

                                                                                                                      Monday

Well how’s my baby doing?

I got your letter and you really sound depressed. I think your lifestyle is great. You’re doing everything that I always wanted to do so don’t look back. O.K. Everyone has regrets!

Ray and I went fishing this weekend at Aransas Pass (near Corpus Christi) The wind was really blowing hard but I was glad to get out of the house for awhile. Ray hooked a porpoise (large fish) but of course it broke his line and got away. It was a nice weekend.

When I was in the hospital I felt very alone and maybe a little scared. I really felt good when you came to see me. It made me feel important again and that means a lot to me. It seems like all my children moved out at once and nobody needs me anymore. That’s probably why I stopped working and lost my ambition for life. I guess that happens to all parents sooner or later. I feel like going out and adopting more children so I’ll have someone to pick on.

Today is our anniversary and your mom is really homesick for her children and grandson. I might have to return to Va for her sake (I miss them also). Whenever we get mail from you it makes us feel really good so keep those cards and letters coming!

Anytime you feel sad or depressed just call me and we’ll talk. If it gets to bad I’ll come right up there and cheer you up.

                                                                          I love you always,

                                                                              Dad