DEAR ABBY: I would like to thank you for a letter you printed near the end of last year. It was from "Walter H.," who was dismayed at the lack of handwritten correspondence he received. After reading his letter I was moved to send a special letter to my grandmother. I wrote it by hand and expressed my deep appreciation for everything she had done for me and also thanked her for the important role she had played in my life.
A few months later, my dear grandmother was gone. I must say that being able to tell her how much she meant to me, and being able to thank her for all she had done, helped me through the grieving process after her passing. I felt as though I had been able to say my piece to her and let her know exactly how much she was loved.
Walter H.'s letter provided me with that little bit of incentive to write my grandmother, and it helped me in so many ways. My sincere thanks to you both. -- THANKFUL GRANDSON IN TORONTO
DEAR THANKFUL: I'm sure Walter H. will be as touched to read your letter as I was. Your acknowledgment of your grandmother's role in your life was the most meaningful gift you could have given her, and I'm glad you didn't procrastinate about expressing it.