Some may say that I keep things for a long time… Memories are one of the best that never leave. 24 years ago I turned to writing on a day that changed my life forever. I just went and found that same thing I wrote 24 years ago on the original notebook paper I wrote it on. Writing is something I turn to when I am having a down moment or a good moment. Looking back and remembering the good and the bad has always been a part of what makes me smile each and every day.
24 years ago I wrote the following letter to a man that forever changed my life.
Mert,
I know that no matter what you’ll be there when I need to think. I’m going to help Mom, because I know that’s what you’d want. I’m going to have another copy of this in your drawer so I can look at it whenever I need to. The 60 dollars I owed you on my wedding day is still in the drawer also at least until I get married, then mom and I and whoever else are going to go out for ice cream, your treat. There’s nothing I regret, except you won’t be here for my first date. I know you’ll be looking at me from where you are though. I love you!
Though the letter is now in a different place I knew exactly where to find it. As for the first date I am sure you would have dealt just fine with that happening when I was sixteen. I am sure though that the one I choose in the end to marry would have met with your approval. I think you and Chris would have gotten along very well.
The sixty dollars may have been a bit much in terms of ice cream but I did eat peppermint bon bon ice cream the few nights before my wedding with those that love me now. We made cupcakes for the wedding, and we ate ice cream in your honor. Also the guy I married, I am pretty sure you would love him as much as I do. I may just have some peppermint bon bon ice cream today to honor the guy that helped me love to write stories and read them. Even if one of his favorite ways to annoy me to was read a book upside down as I learned to calm down while standing still. I am still working on that whole calming down thing I am much better at it these days. I am so glad that when I do remember an upside down book or two I can laugh about how well you handled me when I was at my most unlovable moments.
In all the time that has passed this man still is part of who I am today and I am so grateful for him and his influence on me. Hug the ones you love tightly today and every day! And do the things you love to do every day!
The Family Thompson 