For the month of March, I am participating in the Eleventh Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. That means that I am writing every day for the month of March in the good company of the Two Writing Teachers community.
I have a task I've been putting off. Some of you know my oldest daughter Larkin (who is not allowed to read this post this morning, but is probably too hung over to any way) and you know that she's graduating from college in a month. You might not know that I have to write a letter to her as part of her sorority's celebration for their seniors. This has been hard! No length suggestions! No clear indication of the purpose! No mentor texts.
I've started a couple a bunch of times, and I sound corny or sappy or like any mother's letter to her graduating daughter. I've tried to think of original things to say, specific anecdotes, and quotes from her--that's gone a little better, but I still end up spinning my words.
This morning I think I discovered my platform and foundation for my letter, and it's a SOL community principle. I think it will work to begin and structure my letter with content that is in a snippet of the day.
This morning, I woke up to this texting exchange between Larkin and her sisters. (Garth and I slept through it and responded in the morning.) Larkin is at the University of Michigan, and their basketball team might have had the win of the tournament late last night. I can't quote the whole exchange because of the expletives, but it went something like this:
Larkin: GUYS
Clare: That was nuts
Larkin: Oh my God.
Cecily: That was crazy.
Larkin: UNBELIEVABLE
So much of Larkin shines through in this exchange--her passion, her enthusiasm, her emotions...I also love that she includes us in her moments of joy. I think I have the basis of my letter--wish me luck!
I'm so glad you figured out how to write this letter and I love that you realized how to do it once you applied some slicing principles. Grounding the writing in the everyday, in story, in some sort of telling detail, is always good advice.
ReplyDeleteI bought my "kids" each a signed copy of My Mother's Voice but held on to them for several years not knowing exactly when to give it to them.
ReplyDeleteThey both got married in 2012 within two months of each other. At that point my husband and I were going to be married 33 years, so for Mother's Day that year I gave them the books along with a list of 33 "Pearls of Wisdom" from Mom along with a handwritten letter.
Good luck! And what a cool name.. Larkin.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! And what a cool name.. Larkin.
ReplyDeleteWhat you write will be perfect for her - you know your girl. Congrats also on getting her through college - soon! Yes, is a gift that she includes you in those moments of joy; so many young people wouldn't. And - what a beautiful name, Larkin.
ReplyDeleteWhen you want it to be "just right" sometimes the starting is slow. Now you have a plan and I'm sure that your words will flow!
ReplyDelete:-)
What a challenge, but it seems like your inspiration found you instead of the other way around. What a beautiful thing for her to have as she transitions from college to adult life!
ReplyDeleteThat won't be easy -- but it will be great. You are both also very funny in a very witty way. I think that will come through as well. Enjoy writing it -- you have so much to be proud of in her. She really is pretty cool.
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