Sunday, May 3, 2026
Today at church, a friend of mine talked about how she is writing letters to her mom during her grieving. That really touched me. I have been missing my a lot parents lately and want to write a letter to my mom.
Dear mom,
I miss you so much. I found this cute picture of us and put it on my desk.
You would love Erin. She is wonderful and so great for Scotty . The wedding was wonderful. We all missed you and dad... so much. Erin danced with her father and Scotty had a sisters dance. That was sweet. The Quinneys- Beth, Eric and Sara were all at Scotty's reception. Here is a picture of us all together. Scotty even put some Neil Diamond in his reception play list.
I miss calling and telling you important things. I moved at the beginning of April. I am house sitting for the Kupfer's while they are on their mission. It is a beautiful house and I am enjoying it.
Before Scotty's wedding I went to Missouri to see your brother Paul and Linda and then to Iowa to learn more about your family. I went to your old high school, the Russell Lamon Hotel, and the Rensselaer Russell House, and I drove around the city where you grew up and saw buildings your grandpa Shockley designed. Maybe this is where I get my interest in architecture! I visited the cemeteries in Vinton and Council Hills and Waterloo. I wish I could have called and talked to you about it. Did you know that both your mom and dad's dads served in the Civil War?
The area of Waterloo by the high school and cemetery was so beautiful in April.
I went in April to be in Waterloo and visit the Congregational church where your parents were married 87 years to the day. So cool, Hugh?
I am writing a book about them and the honeymoon trip they took in 1939. I helped Dad write his life history while he was alive and now I am learning all about your family. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so I decided to start writing in that genre.
Thanks for sharing your love of reading with me. I still read everyday. Just like you.
Thank you for being such a great mom and friend. I love you and miss you so much.