THE Letter

It's true that most often I work with elder family members. I get that. It's hard to think about crafting your own ‘legacy letter’ when you don't have your parent's stories recorded.

But for Cesar, it was a no-brainer. He wasn't interested in getting all of his family stories down. For his daughter's 10th birthday, he was laser focused on giving her most meaningful letter ever.

Cesar is tireless in his effort to show his daughter that he is Papa #1. They may live apart, but he is always there for her: to listen to her, guide her and have loads of fun together.

We talked about Cesar’s upbringing in Mexico. He described his teen years and the importance of extended family. As he beamed (and we both teared up), he told me all about his daughter, how she's changed, what traits have remained constant, what makes her special.

The overarching theme? Their unbreakable bond. This man LOVES his daughter.

I captured all of this and more: how being his daughter’s father is THE most important thing in the world to him.

He presented the letter along with a heart pendant necklace. They read it aloud together. He said she really loved it. No question she'll return to this letter in the years to come. This one’s a keeper.

I help individuals capture what’s most important to them in letters that become family treasures. In case you’re wondering, I love my job.

As does Cesar! His business is Onward Painting and he is a fabulous house painter. So if you're in the east bay, think of Cesar. If you’re house needs some TLC, let me know and I’ll introduce you to him.

But first, who in your life deserves a letter that will last forever?