There are a few things my family needs to know:

First of all, I forgive you for anything you've said or done, and hope you forgive me.  I can't even remember what I said yesterday, so that's easy.

Secondly, there are a lot of household chores you'll need to do.  True, only Dad is at home most of the time; but I'm not confident that any of you know how to make iced tea.  Just boil water; drop in tea bags; add cold water, sweeten. 

Changing toilet paper rolls is almost as easy.

Please don't let the animals starve to death.  Not even the backyard birds that depend on us.

I don't expect to die for years and years, but occasionally people meet with an untimely end.  If it happens to me, you know where I'll be and Who I'll be with.  Let's not be fearful or pagan with the funeral or burial.

Don't keep me plugged up to a machine if I'm not appearing to be alive, for the reason mentioned above.  In going on to heaven, I won't cease to love you, and you won't quit loving me.


Please don't waste one minute of your lives being angry with anyone.  If you wake up in the morning, count your blessings and charge into the day.

Know that I am PROUD of all of you.  You are tough.  You have overcome obstacles.  The tenacity of my husband and three kids in the face of challenges is awesome.  You are more funny and wise, lovely and accomplished than I imagined as an addled in-love bride, then as a new mommy.  The fruit has been more fragrant than the flower.

Trust God, and He will never forsake you.  That really sums up all that I tried to tell you all these years--except the part about making tea.