Letter from Dad
6 Mar, 2009 By: Marty Whitford
Below is a letter my dad wrote my mom and us 10 Whitford kids when I was 9 — in 1976 — shortly after Dad suffered, and survived, his first heart attack. Dad was 47 at the time — the same age my brother Jim was when he had a heart attack Feb. 9, 2009, and God called him home. These two rare intertwined souls also shared the same name and birthday.
March 9, 1976
To My Beloved Wife and Children,
I write this now to all of you for I feel that my leaving may be unexpected and sudden and will allow me no chance to say goodbye to my loved ones, each one of you so near and so dear to me. And yet this suddenness might perhaps be best for, though I had often preferred the thought of a foreseen and prepared leaving, my heart could not bear to ponder or to voice the farewells of a known terminal illness. Also, I am by far blessed to be the first to leave, for I could not endure the loss of any one of you.
To my wonderful, loving, patient, and dedicated wife – my love for you cannot now be limited by words. You have been the light of my life! Can I ever be forgiven for all that I have never said to you and for all that I have never done for you? Your priceless gift to me of your life and our children has been my sole cherished pride. Be sturdy and be of happy heart to finish your work so well begun. Our Lord must surely have reserved a special place for you in heaven.
To my precious children, the treasure of my life – I have loved each of you as if you had been my only child, and each and every one of you has always had a tender place in my heart. Each of you, in her or his own very special way, has been an abundant joy to me throughout my life.
Above all, I beg you not to question the reasons for my leaving, for the Will of God is inseparable from the infinite Goodness of God, and your desires should always conform to His Will. The Good Shepherd has loved me infinitely beyond your love for me, as He also loves each of you infinitely beyond even my love for you.
Be happy that Our Father gave us our lives to share together for so many joyous years and be content that you have one another to love and cherish.
Never change from the wonderful Catholic family you have been. Adhere to your priceless gift of the Catholic faith in the face of all challenges and all hardships.
Pray for me often in your memories. As you loved me in life, on each occasion that you think of me, say a little prayer for me.
Be happy in the promises of Our Lord, and may we all find joyful reunion in the final resurrection.
May our loving Creator and Redeemer bless all of you always and remain forever with you…
Your loving and beloved
Husband and Father
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