From You, To Me
A letter I had hoped for.37 total reviews
Comment from Cindy Warren
Congratulations on your win. It was well deserved. This is so sad. You wrote yourself the letter you wish your dad would have written, I'm not sure if alcoholism is a disease or a choice or a bit of both. I know how difficult it is to have one in the family. The booze takes over the body and brain and leaves them craving more. Sometimes there's just nothing you can do about it.
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Congratulations on your win. It was well deserved. This is so sad. You wrote yourself the letter you wish your dad would have written, I'm not sure if alcoholism is a disease or a choice or a bit of both. I know how difficult it is to have one in the family. The booze takes over the body and brain and leaves them craving more. Sometimes there's just nothing you can do about it.
Comment Written 16-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Thank you so much! Your kind and insightful review is so appreciated. Blessings to you always,
Sal XOs
Comment from Melbelles
This is beautiful! And then I read the backstory; a whole new other level. And honestly I thought this was just a love story, then realized it was more than that. Put me to tears. I can't believe this is an earlier piece, well done!!
My sister-in-law also had a similar situation at her wedding, except it was her mother that couldn't come. But I believe in this situation, that if these people really could be in the right state of mind, then they would have been there. So this gives me comfort knowing that.
Anyways, congratulations on the awards! Beautifully written piece and with depth.
May your pen continue to be blessed,
Melbelles
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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This is beautiful! And then I read the backstory; a whole new other level. And honestly I thought this was just a love story, then realized it was more than that. Put me to tears. I can't believe this is an earlier piece, well done!!
My sister-in-law also had a similar situation at her wedding, except it was her mother that couldn't come. But I believe in this situation, that if these people really could be in the right state of mind, then they would have been there. So this gives me comfort knowing that.
Anyways, congratulations on the awards! Beautifully written piece and with depth.
May your pen continue to be blessed,
Melbelles
Comment Written 15-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Dear Mel, thank you so much for this and your kind words. It means the world to me.
ABlessings to you always,
Sally xoxo's
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Sally, this is so beautiful and I wouldn't change anything as they are your deepest feelings. Alcoholism is a choice perhaps, but a significant and very hard choice, especially when it is hereditary. I have always said that drinking is a choice, but nobody ever chooses to be an alcoholic where your choices are so difficult and you hurt those you love. I am sure that your father hated being away from you, but shame sometimes overpowers love. In fact they are confused with even being the same thing. Another lie that satan tells us. The letter and your poem are so heartfelt and I believe your father meant every word and I know he loved you the best that he knew how. God Bless You Sally!!
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Sally, this is so beautiful and I wouldn't change anything as they are your deepest feelings. Alcoholism is a choice perhaps, but a significant and very hard choice, especially when it is hereditary. I have always said that drinking is a choice, but nobody ever chooses to be an alcoholic where your choices are so difficult and you hurt those you love. I am sure that your father hated being away from you, but shame sometimes overpowers love. In fact they are confused with even being the same thing. Another lie that satan tells us. The letter and your poem are so heartfelt and I believe your father meant every word and I know he loved you the best that he knew how. God Bless You Sally!!
Comment Written 15-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Dear Debi, What a delightful surprise to see your smiling face and read your review. Thank you especially for your tender words of understanding and comfort. A blessing you are!
I hope you are feeling better and regaining your strength. Blessings to you always,
Sal XOs
Comment from Susan Newell
Sally,
How sad to have been abandoned and always yearned for that relationship. It may be of little comfort, but many who had fathers at home didn't fare much better in terms of relationships. This is really well written and the wistful "what ifs" come through between the lines.
Sue
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Sally,
How sad to have been abandoned and always yearned for that relationship. It may be of little comfort, but many who had fathers at home didn't fare much better in terms of relationships. This is really well written and the wistful "what ifs" come through between the lines.
Sue
Comment Written 15-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Thank you, dear Sue. I always appreciate you. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs
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Always welcome.
Comment from John Ciarmello
This piece is gripping, Sally. I Pondered every stanza. So many sad moments, yet, what would you have done differently to change life's outcome. You have, in some way, humanized his mistakes. Perhaps that is enough to carry you through. Loved this, Sally. Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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This piece is gripping, Sally. I Pondered every stanza. So many sad moments, yet, what would you have done differently to change life's outcome. You have, in some way, humanized his mistakes. Perhaps that is enough to carry you through. Loved this, Sally. Best, JohnC
Comment Written 15-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the wonderful, tender review, John. It means so much to me. The good that has come out of this sorrow is my relationship to God which is rich and full, and the beautiful husband and family He has been so gracious to give. I feel sorry for my dad because he missed so much and never met my husband, children or five grandchildren. Whatever is in that bottlle ruined him and robbed his life. My sorrow is still present, as he is my dad. He will always be dearly missed.
Sending you my best today as always,
Sal :))
Comment from Bill Schott
This poem, From You to Me, is a sad tale of alcoholism costing a man his family and ultimately his life. Having been a "problem drinker" I know that there is a difference between that situation and alcoholism. Whether you believe alcoholism is a disease or not means nothing more than if you think cancer is real or not. People will die without treatment and a reason to live.
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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This poem, From You to Me, is a sad tale of alcoholism costing a man his family and ultimately his life. Having been a "problem drinker" I know that there is a difference between that situation and alcoholism. Whether you believe alcoholism is a disease or not means nothing more than if you think cancer is real or not. People will die without treatment and a reason to live.
Comment Written 15-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you, dear Bill. I always appreciate your reviews. Blessings,
Sal :))
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Sally,
Perhaps you are right, that alcoholism is a choice people make and not a disease. I don't know. All I know is that some people can resist it, and some people can't. It's not the taste, for the taste is bitter. There's no enjoyment there. It's the way it makes you feel, I think. Happy instead of sad?
Once, when I was a young lad, I was walking home (from something), up Murray Street in Grand Bay. It was a cold winter night, and lots of snow on the ground. Just before our road, I noticed a man laying in the ditch. I was alarmed, and afraid to go over and see if he was dead or alive. I rushed home then, and told my father about it. He asked me to show him where the man was, so away we went back down Murray Street. Dad checked to see if he knew him, and he did. The man lived at the very end of Murray Street, last house on the left. He jostled him awake, finally, and we both helped him stand. I remember an unusual smell, but didn't know it was alcohol. We guided him to his house, one step at a time. I felt so sorry for his wife. She was embarrassed, but I think relieved that we had brought him home. It was obvious to me, she had been through this before. But if I hadn't come along when I did, he may have frozen to death... or at least lost the ends of his fingers and toes, and maybe ears.
Your poem, written as you thought your father might write, is sad. But it probably fits so many men (and women, too) all over the world. Alcohol separates people from their family, from society, from reality.
I think of your title, "From You, To Me". It's the opposite of a famous old Beatle song, "From Me To You". I wonder if you were thinking of the lyrics of that song a bit as you wrote the poem your father never penned.
"If there's anything that you want;
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love, from me to you.
I've got everything that you want,
Like a heart that's oh so true.
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love, from me to you.
I've got arms that long to hold you,
And keep you by my side.
I've got lips that long to kiss you,
And keep you satisfied."
If there's anything that you want;
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love, from me to you."
I'm sure your father would sing this song to you. I'm sure you meant the world to him. But he was a captive. Alcohol had him locked up. It's a shame because it took him away from those he loved. He wasn't even able to attend your wedding. Personally, I think alcoholism is a disease... of the mind. It beat your father, and so many others. I'm sure he had regrets. He very well could have written these words,
"I've tossed out all the liquor,
and read the book you sent.
The sobering thing about it is
I've missed your main event.
To have a day, just you and me,
or even just an hour.
To start afresh and see you, Sal,
outside your door, I cower."
Nicely penned! Good Luck in the contest!
Big Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Hi Sally,
Perhaps you are right, that alcoholism is a choice people make and not a disease. I don't know. All I know is that some people can resist it, and some people can't. It's not the taste, for the taste is bitter. There's no enjoyment there. It's the way it makes you feel, I think. Happy instead of sad?
Once, when I was a young lad, I was walking home (from something), up Murray Street in Grand Bay. It was a cold winter night, and lots of snow on the ground. Just before our road, I noticed a man laying in the ditch. I was alarmed, and afraid to go over and see if he was dead or alive. I rushed home then, and told my father about it. He asked me to show him where the man was, so away we went back down Murray Street. Dad checked to see if he knew him, and he did. The man lived at the very end of Murray Street, last house on the left. He jostled him awake, finally, and we both helped him stand. I remember an unusual smell, but didn't know it was alcohol. We guided him to his house, one step at a time. I felt so sorry for his wife. She was embarrassed, but I think relieved that we had brought him home. It was obvious to me, she had been through this before. But if I hadn't come along when I did, he may have frozen to death... or at least lost the ends of his fingers and toes, and maybe ears.
Your poem, written as you thought your father might write, is sad. But it probably fits so many men (and women, too) all over the world. Alcohol separates people from their family, from society, from reality.
I think of your title, "From You, To Me". It's the opposite of a famous old Beatle song, "From Me To You". I wonder if you were thinking of the lyrics of that song a bit as you wrote the poem your father never penned.
"If there's anything that you want;
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love, from me to you.
I've got everything that you want,
Like a heart that's oh so true.
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love, from me to you.
I've got arms that long to hold you,
And keep you by my side.
I've got lips that long to kiss you,
And keep you satisfied."
If there's anything that you want;
If there's anything I can do,
Just call on me and I'll send it along
With love, from me to you."
I'm sure your father would sing this song to you. I'm sure you meant the world to him. But he was a captive. Alcohol had him locked up. It's a shame because it took him away from those he loved. He wasn't even able to attend your wedding. Personally, I think alcoholism is a disease... of the mind. It beat your father, and so many others. I'm sure he had regrets. He very well could have written these words,
"I've tossed out all the liquor,
and read the book you sent.
The sobering thing about it is
I've missed your main event.
To have a day, just you and me,
or even just an hour.
To start afresh and see you, Sal,
outside your door, I cower."
Nicely penned! Good Luck in the contest!
Big Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 15-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2022
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Thank you you for the wonderful review and tender comments. I've had a little side serving of judgment on this one. I suppose unless you have loved it as I have, not everyone can appreciate the lesson within the story. There is a day too late when one dies, hence my heartache. This made it more bearable somehow, and think sometimes when the light is off or on Christmas Day, if he regretted his choices and actions. I hope he did. I have forgiven him, and let him go to God.
Sending you my best today as always and many thanks for the super stars too,
Sal XOs
Comment from Teri7
Sal, This is a very well written, heartfelt poem you have penned about a letter you hoped you would receive from your dad, but never did. I am so sorry my friend. Thank you for sharing this with us! love and blessings, teri
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Sal, This is a very well written, heartfelt poem you have penned about a letter you hoped you would receive from your dad, but never did. I am so sorry my friend. Thank you for sharing this with us! love and blessings, teri
Comment Written 14-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you for the lovely review, my sweet Teri! Blessings to you always!
Sal xoxo's
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
This is a well-written piece from 2020. It shows your writing talent is a true gift. I would enlarge the font just a tad bit more. The visual fits precisely. Your author's note is heartbreaking to read. Your father missed out on having a talented child in his life. However, he knows now and is sorry.
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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This is a well-written piece from 2020. It shows your writing talent is a true gift. I would enlarge the font just a tad bit more. The visual fits precisely. Your author's note is heartbreaking to read. Your father missed out on having a talented child in his life. However, he knows now and is sorry.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you so much for the lovely review and tender comments, Sandra. Blessings to you and yours,
Sally :))
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You are welcome. Only tender comments because no one knows the burden of another.
Comment from BethShelby
This is sad. Alcohol can ruin family. It is a terrible choice and most believe they can stop when they really want to, but I guess their pain is so bad without it they can't make themselves want to stop. It is their drug of choice and I sure they think someday they won't need it.
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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This is sad. Alcohol can ruin family. It is a terrible choice and most believe they can stop when they really want to, but I guess their pain is so bad without it they can't make themselves want to stop. It is their drug of choice and I sure they think someday they won't need it.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 15-Jul-2022
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Thank you!
