Did I Ever Tell You? by Genevieve Kingston

Before I started working as an employee at my hospice, I was a volunteer. The supervisor encouraged volunteers to bring their own special skills to patient visits. One woman offered to cut their hair. Another man played the guitar for his patients. I offered to write my patients letters to give to their loved ones after their passing. I would interview my patients, take notes and turn their thoughts into letters for their spouses, parents and children. This felt useful, and helpful. Sometimes I wish I could have written more than one letter per family member, especially when they had young children, but we were racing against the clock. Fast forward 8 years, when a friend recommended this book: "Did I Ever Tell You?" by Genevieve "Gwen" Kingston. It is the true story about how a dying mother left letters, jewelry, and mementos for her young son and daughter to read when she was gone. Gwen's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer when she was 3 years old. Her mother lived another 8 years, and was able to fill two hope chests full of letters for Gwen and her brother, Jamie. The letters and corresponding gifts were tied to milestones such as birthdays, graduations, engagements and weddings. With each opened letter, Gwen and her brother are ushered along on the grieving journey, guided by the skilled hand of their mother. This is a beautiful book filled with love and sadness as well as hope and humor. It touched me as a hospice worker, and I know it will move others as well. To buy this book on Amazon click here.