NDR: Opinions on a Letter- Long

[aweilba]

I need some opinions on a letter that I want to send to my aunt. I think that I need to give you a little background in order to get your opinions, though.

My aunt has been battling breast cancer for 5 years. In the past few months, things have gotten pretty bad and she isn't doing too well. She has remained strong throughout all of this, but recently she's been saying things about how time is more precious now to her than ever. I understand why she might be saying these things, but it's hard for me to see my aunt who has always been such a strong woman in my life feel this way.

At the beginning of June, I saw a local Race for the Cure 5k in September. I knew that I wanted to sign up and fundraise in honor of my aunt, even though I have never been a runner before (I've since been in training). I talked to her about the race, but wanted to send her a copy of the letter that I sent out to friends and family about why I'm running and why I hope they sponsor me. I wanted to write her a more personal letter explaining exactly why I decided to run in this race in her honor.

I don't know how to say exactly why I'm running it without making it only about the fact that she has cancer, because it's really more than that for me. She has taught me so much about being strong in your faith through all of this and has really shown me that I am capable of so much more than I thought. I just don't want to emphasize the cancer a lot, but I feel like that's how it will go... I don't know.

This is what I have so far, besides the basic 'Hey, what's up?' paragraph: "Growing up, you have always been a woman whom I looked up to for many reasons. From teaching me how to feed “trained” squirrels to shooting at Black Bart to giving me advice on love, marriage, and faith on my wedding day, I have always appreciated the love that you’ve shown me. You have helped teach me how to stay strong in my faith, and I always value our time together."

This is such a hard letter to write, and I don't know why... Suggestions? Help? Ugh.

[bethaboo]

I am no help, but I think you have the right start. Anything you write that is from the heart, that expresses that you are running to support her, will make her feel good.

Good luck to you and your aunt! I will be saying a prayer for you tonight.

[aweilba]

Jul 16, 2012 21:02:58 GMT -5 bethaboo said:

I am no help, but I think you have the right start. Anything you write that is from the heart, that expresses that you are running to support her, will make her feel good.

Good luck to you and your aunt! I will be saying a prayer for you tonight.

Thank you!

[aweilba]

Okay, here is what I have about the race: "Growing up, you have always been a woman whom I have looked up to for many reasons. From teaching me how to feed “trained” squirrels (some cute pictures there) to shooting at Black Bart to giving me advice on love, marriage, and faith on my wedding day, I have always appreciated the love and time that you’ve given me. You have shown me that life needs to be lived to the fullest no matter what, and that my faith can get me through anything, including a 3.1 mile run (I’ve had to say a few quick prayers before my runs as they’ve grown longer recently). I wanted to run this race in honor of you and the woman that you have influenced me to become in so many ways."

Okay? I don't know why I'm stressing so much about this.