Most Timely Letter

Some letters become something we never expected — an enduring voice and lasting connection.

Hal, who was recovering from a bone marrow transplant when we began his Family Love Letter, wrote:

"As I write this, I am home recovering from my bone marrow transplant. I would say that I'm  doing what I have to do and feeling slightly better every day. Once I hit the 100 day mark at the end of October, I'll be in the home stretch. But right now, I'm just happy to be home with my wife, who is taking very good care of me."

Hal approached his letter with thoughtfulness and purpose:

"This letter is about my life and the people and experiences that have helped shape me and my perspectives. I hope you enjoy reading this letter as much as I've enjoyed thinking about my stories and putting them down on paper."

What touched me most was how he saw this letter as an invitation to deeper conversation—particularly with his daughter, with whom he'd had a complicated relationship.

"Many years ago, I wrote my father a letter bearing my soul about the changes I was going through. For whatever reason, he never spoke to me about it or mentioned it. This letter to you is like an open door. I am very much looking forward to talking with you about what I've written."

These words were just the beginning of a much longer story that would go on to explain his life choices, share family history, and express his deepest values and feelings for his children.

Hal never reached that 100-day milestone. But the letter—a gift from his daughter that became his gift to her—did exactly what he hoped.

After he died, his daughter wrote to tell me how grateful she was to have this final conversation with her father, one that helped explain some of his actions and the tough choices he felt he had to make.

What would your letter say?

None of us knows when our words will become our final ones. What explanations, stories, or expressions of love would you want to leave behind? What doors would you want to leave open?

Don't wait for the perfect moment

If you've been thinking about capturing your story or the story of someone you love, please reach out and please don’t wait. Whether you're facing health challenges or simply recognize that tomorrow isn't guaranteed, Family Love Letters provides the structure and support to say what matters most.