Dearest Rachel – I dare say that Saturdays will be the most difficult day of the week for a very long time to come, and it will be a long time before I will be able to appreciate weekends. Not only was Saturday morning our time together – which can never be enjoyed again onContinue reading “Three Weeks Since”
Author Archives: randy@letters-to-rachel.memorial
Honey
Dearest Rachel – In an effort to avoid working on my impressions of the worst day of my life, I’m going to tell a story. You, of course, already know this story, but it needs to be told nonetheless. It’s the story of how you came to see me as more than an arrogant jerk,Continue reading “Honey”
Daniel and the Dream
Dearest Rachel – It seems that, between various responsibilities, whether the camp or church or the dog, I’ve forgotten that I’m not the only one suffering your loss. Daniel has been dealing with it in his own way, but I’ve neglected to take into account his need for comfort and reassurance throughout these past coupleContinue reading “Daniel and the Dream”
Ten Dollar Bills
Dearest Rachel – Sometimes, it amazes me as to what can set me off with regard to memories of you. I just got a ten dollar bill in change from the grocery store this morning, and while I didn’t actually absent-mindedly think “oh, another one I can give to Rachel for tips – oh, wait…”Continue reading “Ten Dollar Bills”
Half Mast
Dearest Rachel – Well, I finally did it. I finally got the rabies certification from the veterinarian’s – along with a couple more medications for Chompers’ urinary tract infection. Yeah, it’s happened again. I still don’t know how you juggled all this – or are his health issues actually accelerating, like it sometimes seems? Anyway,Continue reading “Half Mast”
Bathtubs
Dearest Rachel – Got a late start on the day today. After getting Chompers fed and outside for a bit, I went to set him in the family room, where he’s clearly more comfortable staying. Ordinarily, I’d be expecting Daniel to be sleeping on the couch, as he has been ever since he realized theContinue reading “Bathtubs”
The Big Game and the Little Games
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been asked by a few people which team I’m rooting for today. It seems I’d completely forgotten that this was Super Bowl (can I say that, or will the NFL give me a copyright strike for that?) Sunday. Look, I’ve had a lot on my mind, and none of it toContinue reading “The Big Game and the Little Games”
Nothing Compares To You
Dearest Rachel – I’ll have to dredge up the mix tapes we sent each other to confirm it (yes, you know I kept copies of each one since those days), but I’m pretty sure this song was on one of the ones I sent you. And yes, I’m spelling out “To You” rather than usingContinue reading “Nothing Compares To You”
Vet’s Day
Dearest Rachel – I’d like to think I’m starting to get the hang of dealing with Chompers (I’m probably wrong, though). As problematic as last night was, at least I got a fair amount of rest on both sides of that two-hour, fourteen-checkup nightmare. So basically, I’m adopting a rule of “sleep when he sleeps,”Continue reading “Vet’s Day”
Launch Day
Dearest Rachel – I’m starting to get the hang of dealing with Chompers, I think: get your rest when he does, or you won’t get much rest at all at night. I dozed off between 9 and 9:30, and after waking just before midnight, taking him out to pee, and settling him down in theContinue reading “Launch Day”
Pictures of You
So deep and wide / So clear and bright I paint your love / With truth and light I’ll take my time / I’ll get it right I’ve got forever / To paint my picture of you Terry Scott Taylor, “Picture of You” from Knowledge and Innocence, 1986 Dearest Rachel – The song may sayContinue reading “Pictures of You”
Snow Angels
Dearest Rachel – It’s such a cliché when people come up to you in the receiving line at the visitation, and tell you, “If there’s anything you need…” “If there’s anything I can do for you…” Look, I’m not saying these sentiments aren’t genuine. But you wonder, do people really mean it when they sayContinue reading “Snow Angels”
He’s Your Dog, All Right
Honey – When I set out to write to you as a form of therapy, I expected to write, and for people to read, about the feelings I was dealing with, of the memories of the two of us (or the three of us – let’s not forget Daniel, and the fact that we didContinue reading “He’s Your Dog, All Right”
The Longest Mo(u)rning
Hey, Honey – Well, this is it. The first thing I asked Daniel this morning was, “Well, are you ready for the longest morning of your life?” “No.” “…yeah, me neither.” Neither of us got much sleep last night, honey. Even without Chompers around – Kerstin offered to take care of him for the night,Continue reading “The Longest Mo(u)rning”
As I Stood at the Top of the Hill
My dearest, darling Rachel, my heart, my soul – This was not supposed to happen. You and Daniel were supposed to take one more slide down the tubing run, and then, exhausted from the climb up, we would say our goodbyes to Camp Awana for the day, and we would drive home. Maybe we’d pickContinue reading “As I Stood at the Top of the Hill”
Letters to Rachel 