A long overdue "Thank You"
The following is a letter I wrote to Johnny Cash to thank him for the picture I have of him and and his wife with my son. Unfortunately, the day I finished and was going to mail the letter, he died. My mom told me to mail it anyways, but I didn't. I felt so sad and so bad that I didn't send it sooner... way sooner. Lesson learned.
I sent a copy of the letter and picture to Roseanne Cash and she gave me permission to post it. (Thank you, Roseanne!) So, here is my long overdue "Thank You" to a man I will NEVER forget.
September 1, 2003
Dear Mr. Cash,
I have waited much too long to write you this "Thank you" letter. I'm not one to write letters and I am very sorry it took me so long to write this one. It's hard to put into words what I have to say, but I know it's more important to say something than to have said nothing at all.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for graciously accepting my request for a picture of you and your wife at the Salt Lake City Airport Thanksgiving weekend of 1989. The picture has been on my family's piano ever since. My 18 month old son was upset and crying from a long plane ride and I was scared and surprised when you kindly responded to my request for your picture by saying, "With the baby, of course!" Nervously, I placed him in your lap and immediately he calmed down. Wow! Thank you for that, as well! My son Cody, is now 16 years old and continues to amaze me with his wholesome, admirable character and calm spirituality.
My condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful wife. I can only imagine how much you miss her. If it's of any help, I remember the day my close friend, Candy, passed away and what she said to my son, who was only five years old at the time. She said to him, "Please don't be sad. Soon I will have my wings and I will be with you always, watching over you forever."
Mr. Cash, I can not tell you how much your music has carried me through life. I feel honored and blessed for having met you and your wife. Thank you for giving me a memory I will cherish forever.
