Did I Ever Tell You?: A Memoir

A true story of a mother’s love, kept alive through gifts, letters, and time.

When Genevieve (Gwen) Kingston lost her mother at age eleven, she was left with more than memories. Her mother had prepared a chest filled with handwritten letters and carefully chosen gifts—for the birthdays and major life milestones they wouldn’t get to share.

As Did I Ever Tell You? begins, only three packages remain: for Gwen’s engagement, marriage, and first baby. Their unopened presence sparks a quiet, powerful reflection—not just on the gifts, but on the woman who gave them. What follows is more than a coming-of-age story. It’s a deeply personal journey through grief, memory, and lasting connection. Each gift opens a new window into Gwen’s life—and into the legacy her mother left behind.

Beautifully written and thoughtfully told , Did I Ever Tell You? speaks to anyone who has faced loss, navigated change, or found strength in the memory of someone they love. In the spirit of Crying in H Mart and The Last Lecture , this “unforgettable” (Good Morning America) memoir reminds us how we carry those we’ve loved with us—always.