A Letter written to Dad on the occasion of his retirement from Seafarers International House

November 18, 1993

Dear Dad,

As we were driving out to Augustana College Mom said she expected one letter a week from me and she would write weekly as well. Her mother had said this to her as she was going off to college. You promised to write also. I've been away from home for almost 20 years now and although we have not corresponded weekly I still do try. Mom’s letters have always been full of what you have done, where you have gone or who you have seen. My letters have been the same and now are also filled with what John and Kristin have been doing and their latest accomplishments. Dad, you never wrote to me on a weekly basis - but you would write and your letters were always more of an inspiration to me and were what I would call “feel good" letters. I have saved every one of those letters you wrote to me in college and since.

Your letters are full of your outlook on life - the renewal of the feeling that spring brings every year - the importance of digging in your garden - the replenishment of the earth comes through in almost every single letter (even those written in the fall). You shared your joys and frustrations with your work at Holy Trinity, your looking for a call, your new experiences at Seafarers. You spoke about having us kids home from school and what wonderful foods you would fix for holidays or family reunions and our favorite things you had stocked up on. You shared with me your feelings and concerns for Grandma and Grandpa in their last years.

You always were there  to encourage me - when I was in school - to study hard - to continue to be the conscientious person you knew I was - to get as much as possible from my years at Augustana as you did when you were there. You encouraged Paul and I as we were struggling with our own job searches in our early years of marriage. You reveled in your new grandson and then your granddaughter and your joy and pride showed through in your letters.

Dad (and Mom too), enjoy this next chapter in your life, dig in the soil at 64 Eisenhower Way, cultivate your garden and expand it every year. Get your basement dormitory set up as I’m sure you will celebrate having your family at home with you in Cotuit whenever possible. And do travel - come see your children and grandchildren wherever we may be. Visit friends. Enjoy life.

And, please keep writing.

Love,

Gail