One Letter, One Chance: Who Would You Write to Last?

Words to my brother, unlocked and carried on wings of love and gratitude

Over many years, I’ve had the same recurring thought: I have only hours remaining in this earthly realm, and someone walks into an empty room and hands me—

One piece of paper

One pen

One chance…

to write a letter to the person in my life who most deserves my attention in that moment.

And so, this morning, at long last, I’m answering the call.

Dear Sam,

The Mama once told me a story. You were only two months old when Dad landed a job at Boeing. The family packed up the VW Bus and drove halfway across the country—five young children bound for Seattle.

Upon arriving in Mountlake Terrace, The Mama noticed you were struggling to breathe. Dr. Proctor confirmed pneumonia, and you were quickly placed in an isolette for oxygen. She told me later, “It was gut-wrenching to have him on the other side of several layers of glass.”

I’m forever grateful that Mom understood both you and me from the very beginning, that she trusted her instincts and took you to the hospital in that critical moment. She raised us into young adults who could find our way with confidence, strength, and the courage to live the lives we imagined—flying on graceful wings of hope and inspiration.

So. Many. Coveted. Memories with you.

Making time for a sister four years younger feels like a gift of mammoth proportions. You included me on paper route runs, taught me how to play chess, and played baseball games in the front yard in Wallingford. I’m forever sorry you took the blame for my wayward hit that sent the ball sailing through the front door. Dad was big on justice, but gentle parenting wasn’t exactly his strong suit.

I remember being cheated out of money in Monopoly by at least one of our seven sibs, but never once by you. You never took advantage of my youthful naïveté.

Unbeknownst to me, from the very beginning, your daily ways of being were shaping me—guiding my watchful, younger eyes. Only decades later did I see how those early lessons had morphed into the mantras I still carry:

• Follow your dreams wherever they may lead.

• Give your best effort, even when blood, sweat, and tears come calling.

• If someone is unkind, or cruel, or mean, it’s okay—healthy, even—to walk away.

• Commit with loving kindness to all you hold dear.

• Challenge yourself every day in ways you only dream possible.

• Show compassion to those not gifted with an easy way.

• Make time for the beauty in life that makes your heart sing.

And of course, your oft-repeated wisdom: “Watch what someone does, not what they say, to understand their true character.”

Even though that alone would leave my heart overflowing, there’s been so much more.

When the family structure was crumbling and I was swimming in despair, you were the one—who arrived on waves of support, love, and empathy.

When The Mama’s life was winding down, and I wasn’t always certain of the pathway forward, you were there again. Always there. Offering compassion, encouragement, and steadiness when strife simmered beneath the floorboards upon the rolling stretch of highway between Sequim and PT.

Again and again, you encouraged me, shared your heart, and helped me believe that everything would be all right.

In a lifetime, we humans are fortunate if we find even one soul who truly sees us, understands us, and gifts us their unwavering love.

Thank you, Sam, for all the

Love,

Friendship,

Support,

Laughter,

Lessons,

and so much more—

over almost six decades of living.

My heart is full. My life has been infinitely richer because you’ve been deep within its folds every single day.

If this were my one letter, my one chance, I’m sincerely honored to gift it to you.

I love you,

Lis 💖💖

Who in your life would receive your final words? Please share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to read them. 💖

Thank you so much for reading — your presence here matters deeply to me.

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With much love and gratitude,
Lis 💖

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