I found this unfinished letter in a box a couple of nights ago. Despite its personal nature, I am sharing it… because it’s positive, and we all need something positive to read these days.
Here’s my mother and me, still becoming acquainted:
April 2004
Dear Mom,
You are so many things to me. I’ve been thinking about my favorite memories and qualities I have seen in you.
First, a list of memories of you as my mother:
Music…always
You read so many books to me.
You rescued me from the dogs on the way to elementary school.
You rolled my hair into curlers so I would be pretty.
You made me eggnog when I was sick and spaghetti when it was my birthday.
You sewed outfits for me… a favorite shirt with an angel patch.
You helped me learn to ride a bike and roller skate and perform at my recitals.
You listened and participated in my concerts.
You used every resource you had to pay for music lessons.
You were my chauffeur.
You left sweet notes for me (I kept them all) at my bedside.
You bought me pop tarts and Carnation [instant] breakfasts for early morning breakfasts in high school.
You went on orchestra tour with me to Cedar City.
You helped me pick out a prom dress.
~end~
Here are a few more things that I would like to add, 6 years later:
You kept your kitchen clean. I could hear you doing the dishes at night after I was in bed.
I always had clean clothes to wear.
You worked to help me find friends that were good for me.
I need to mention books again. I remember all of the children draped over the sofa beside you, behind you, and around you while you read to us. You were always ready to read to us.
You were a good Scout wife. I remember when Dad went to Wood Badge for about a week and it was hard, but you were brave. I wondered why those little beads were so small. They represented a lot of time for Dad and for you. You went to the Scout office, packed for the campouts, shopped, sewed, attended, and cheered.
You were in the PTA… always.
You went to our Parent Teacher conferences.
You helped me write my talks for church.
You went to the temple with Dad.
You were always thinking about the youth from church; a confidante to many young women.
At registration day (i.e. Pay Us day) at high school, you paid for the yearbook and other fees and I just felt so grateful.
You picked me up from my college dorm one day along with 6 loads of laundry that I had accumulated and helped me get back on top of my life.
When Richard and I were sick at Westwind, you did our laundry for us.
You seemed to know when I was sick or in need. You showed up one day at my apartment and found me suffering from a very bad cold. You took me home and made me breakfast.
You gave me a copy of the cute handouts you made for the young women at church. I kept that “Master in Charge” card for ages.
You were so excited to be a grandmother, you brought me (& future baby) presents while I was still in labor.
You took care of me for each surgery and birth… 7 lengthy visits.
You drove me to the airport when I left Utah 12 years ago.
Your voice is what I hear as I read the scriptures. So many verses you have put to music…
You were 20 when I was born. I’m so glad.
You gave up school so Dad could finish. You gave up school again to go on a mission.
Of course there is so much more I can say. But at least I am saying something and not laying it aside like I did 6 years ago.
I love you.
~A