The Letter I Wish My Parents Had Written

I bet you have the same experience I have now that I am getting older.

Many times I wish I could ask my parents, or I wonder what my father or mother would have said.

Even at my current age of 71, and with the life experience I have, I wish I could sometimes ask their opinion or advice about something that happens in my life.

That made me wonder if my children would have that same experience after I pass away.

After thinking about that for a long time, I decided to start writing down my history. But I had to decide what to write down and in what order.

My Father’s Story

I had many conversations with my father about the past when he was older. Now I wish I had asked more questions about his childhood and his life as a young man growing up and moving into adulthood.

However, I had a good understanding of his struggles and blessings.
He gave me a very good upbringing for the time we lived in. He, most of the time, worked 2 jobs to keep food on the table.

My Mother’s Story

My mother’s story is a different one. She passed away when I was 17, and I was basically still a child. That is the reason I don’t know too much about her life. I have wonderful memories of her, but I only know a little after talking to aunts and uncles from her side of the family.

My Story

The 2 stories above are the reason this article is titled “The Letter I Wish My Parents Had Written”.

I realize that times were totally different and writing was something they probably did not even have time for. So, this is not a complaint.

Another reason for writing down my history is that the world is changing very fast. Things that were normal in my childhood and life have faded away in the current society.

I wanted my children, and maybe grandchildren, to read about a part of history that I lived and not just some parts they could find online. This could make it more personal and valuable.

What I did was start with the first memories I had and just go from there. Sounded like a good and easy-to-do plan, but it was not.

While writing and typing, it seemed that I opened a part of my brain I had not used in a long time. Memories that were lost in time came bubbling up in my mind, and many made me smile.

Sometimes, after finishing a part of my life, such as elementary school, and reading it back, more memories of that period popped up, and I had to decide if I should add them or not.

To be honest, sometimes I did, and sometimes I did not. If I did not added it was most of the time because it was not relevant, or sometimes it was memories that were too personal to share in my writing.

Writing A Letter To My Children – My Experience

I was surprised by what this writing did to me. Memories that I had totally forgotten popped up and brought either a smile on my face or a tear in my eyes.

It also taught me how I got to the part of my life I am now. Some things that have happened were caused by my Christian upbringing.

Other things that happened in my life were caused by me letting that same Christian upbringing not be a part of my life for many years.

I am not saying I got all the answers, but some parts of my life are clearer to me now. It also brought back memories of people and places I forgot.

If there is one thing I hope you get out of this writing is that it is important to tell your children and grandchildren about your history.

Maybe they ask the questions I never asked and don’t end up like me, and be left with thousands of questions.

Eddie van Aken