A Tribute Letter Archives - Dennis Conrad Author

A Letter of Tribute To Dan U.L. Conrad

In 1994, Dennis Rainey, of Family Life, wrote a book with David Boehi titled The Tribute: What Every Parent Longs to Hear… This book was the reason I decided to write a letter of tribute to each of my parents back in the 1990s before they passed away. My wife and I treated my parents to a special meal at an upscale restaurant. It was there that I read the letters to them.

Earlier today, when I rediscovered that Dennis Rainey book on my bookcase, it brought back a flood of memories. Imagine my surprise when I opened the book and discovered the original letters I had written and read to my parents before they passed away.

Thank You, Father
Written to Dan U.L. Conrad

The commandment is clear: “Honor your father and mother.” In the New Testament, it says in Romans 12:10, “…Honor one another above yourselves.” Now, it is time to pay “tribute” to you, Dad.

I want you to know that I am grateful for so much.

As I compiled this list, I got choked up thinking about these and all the selfless decisions you made in favor of our family. I am truly thankful for…

Your providing a steady paycheck for the family and creating a sense of security and stability in my life.

The memory of feeling your whiskers when you’d wrestle me.

Taking me fishing to a stocked pond on a school day.

Buying me a bird, a hamster, and helping me to care for my pets when I did not.

Letting me take my bird in the car on a trip to Kansas and letting be bring back turtles.

Helping with science fair projects like the ones on Babbitt and the Electric Dam Project, and making a wood car for Cub Scouts.

Listening to “baseball” on the radio with me.

Standing up with me when I broke a window with a baseball. You showed me I need to apologize and be responsible; you repaired it while I helped and watched.

Faithfully going to church.

Driving my friends and me, when it was your turn, to Lutheran Catechism and driving me on my paper route when it was rainy.

Listening to speeches over and over, correcting me without judgment.

Being generous by giving me extra spending money and encouraging me to take care of my car.

Getting me up in the morning, so I would not be late to college.

Picking me up from the airport after trips.

Being proud of me when you talked with your friends.

Spending time in the garage, cleaning, clearing, sorting, and sharing your dream of giving your tools away as gifts.

Dad, I want you to know how very much I appreciate you.

I love you, DAD! Thanks!

Love, Dennis.

Join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

A Tribute Letter to Florence Leona Conrad

Thank You, Mother
Written to Florence Leona Conrad

The commandment is clear: “Honor your father and mother.”

In the New Testament, it says in Romans 12:10, “…Honor one another above yourselves.” Now, it is time to pay “tribute” to you, Mom.

I want to you to know I am grateful for so much. As I compiled this list, I got choked up thinking about these and all the selfless decisions you made in favor of our family. I am truly thankful…

For your waving to me as I boarded the bus on my way to elementary school.

For sowing the patches and arrows on my Cub Scout shirt.

For being baptized with me on Pentecost Sunday and supporting my attending Sunday School.

For gingerbread with whipped cream and for letting me lick the whipped cream from the blades of the blender.

For encouraging and putting up with my paraphernalia collecting.

For coming to see me speak at the Optimist Club and attending a special speech night at Los Angeles High School.

For showing concern when my bird, Michael, died.

For hanging plaques and displaying prominently various trophies and other honors. They never seem to tarnish while they resided where you place them.

For serenades you would sing while playing the organ.

For saving truckloads of my old toys and other memorabilia.

For driving me to the Dating Game show and trying to get the tape for so many years.

For going to graduation ceremonies.

For sanding so many pieces of furniture.

For conversations at the end of the day over a snack.

For loving me when I was bad.

I want to acknowledge and praise you for your patience with me. Thank you for forgiving me. You never stopped loving me. For all these things and so many more, I will be eternally grateful.

Love, Dennis.

Join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.