.

[Pembo]

.

 

[Nagle]

Good letter. Hope it works out.


John

 

[CamColt]

How nice of you to think of doing this for your parents. They are lucky to have you. I hope it works out for them. Be sure to let us know.

 

[doxdogy]

Sounds great to me. I just hope it works out. How sweet of you to want to do this for your parents.

 

[RitaZ.]

Pembo, I like the letter.

I would probably change the last sentence though. Instead of saying that your parents deserve this trip (which I'm sure they do), say how meaningful and special it would be for your parents to go to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th anniversary; which will be made possible (hopefully) by all their children.

JMHO.

 

[TigerBear]

I think the gesture is just beautiful. Since you asked for constructive criticism though, I will give it.

You are the one that knows your siblings- how do you think they will react? Will this be a financial burden for any of them? What would happen if one says no - will your parents still be able to go? From the letter it is a little unclear as to whether you have expectations as to how much everyone will chip in. I guess what I am getting it is from this letter you have already decided that you will be doing this. I can imagine some siblings (thankfully not mine and hopefully not yours) might react negatively to that. If you think they might react negatively, what about making the letter sound more like a suggesion. I have this idea - what do you think? That way it would be a joint decision by everyone - and not a "I've decided we should do this". Again, you are the one who knows your siblings....

Good luck!! And I hope they enjoy their trip to Hawaii.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Very nice idea, Pem, and I do think TB has some very valid and helpful thoughts. Sure are a lot of nice people on these boards.

 

[TigerBear]

I just reread your letter - I think I missed the second to the last paragraph the first time. I like the thought - just think it maybe should be earlier in the letter. They may miss it like I did.

 

[Microcell]

I would save a little bit extra in case the SIL puts the kibosh on it.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Great letter. Good luck with it!

 

[Serena]

Hmmm, it sounds really good to me with the addition of TB's suggestions. I know my family. One hint that I was actually expecting it, and they'd balk at it.
Good luck, it sounds like a wonderful thing to do and I hope it works.

 

[CarolA]

Sounds great! You might suggest that if they don't feel comfortable with monetary gifts they could volunteer to pay for specfic things. (My family is very ANTI money gifts, but very generous. My brother for example would easily be able to give frequent flyer tickets and pay for some stuff, but would be uncomfortable giving cash. Don't ask why, my mom taught us!)

 

[clh2]

Originally posted by Pembo


Please let me know what your thoughts are on this idea. I’m open to any and all suggestions. This is just one idea.

I love your idea! But since you anticipate a problem with your SIL, be open to her ideas too - you said you would!

One of my SIL's did something for years with her siblings (she was from a family of 6 kids.) Her parents desparately wanted to go to England at some time. For years and years, the siblings would give the parents a little "travel fund" cash here, and a little "travel fund" cash there. The little Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary gifts added up to a really big trip for the parents about 2 years ago. This trip was financed by mostly $20 and less gifts over a period of time.

 

[Jillpie]

It sounds great. If my math is correct, splitting 3K into four families would be about 745.00 each. My only suggestion would be to have that money "due" by the anniversary date and not Christmas. Christmas is hard enough to come up with their own money for their families, never mind to have to come up with this too. Just a thought. You're on the right track.

 

[SpecialK]

I'm also the youngest and thought to be the favorite, so I know what you're up against. I think TigerBear's suggestions were right on. I would also get some hard data on the price of the trip. Contact a travel agent or do some on-line research so you can back up your dollar amounts. I know my sister would jump all over that if I was in your shoes.

Just a thought: I have a friend who goes to Hawaii avery other year. She saves a lot of money using the entertainment book. Good luck!

 

[Hillbeans]

I also agree with some of the previous posters...I don't know what your family situation is, but if one of your family members works for a hotel or has FF miles, that'd be better than "cash". I also agree that a dollar amount should be specified, so one family isn't giving double than the other.

 

[Pembo]

.

 

[phorsenuf]

I think the whole idea is lovely! I hope my kids do something like that for me someday.

My only concern though was why put the money in seperate envelopes? I think it should all be given as one amount instead of it looking like "I gave this much" and so and so only gave this much. The families may not be able to save equal amounts but could do what they could. They may decide not to contribute if it seems they will be compared to others. Do you know what I mean? I seem to be having a hard time explaining things today! LOL

 

[Pembo]

phorsenuf-I know exactly what you mean BUT if we put all the money together I just know the difficult sil wouldn't like it if I knew how much everybody gave. I don't really care if she gives $2 or $2000 but she definitely would think that I care. Difficult! That's the only word I can use on a family board.

 

[AirForceRocks]

I think that you've gotten some excellent suggestions for the letter, and I want to add one more little tidbit.

When I went to Hawaii many years ago, I was seated on the plane next to a couple that were celebrating their 50th anniversary in Hawaii, courtesy of their children. They were thrilled to death to be going, because they thought that they would never be able to see the islands. And they were so grateful that their kids gave them that 'once in a lifetime' chance.

Good luck with your siblings!!