Dear Mom,
There are two females on this earth that I would give my own life for. One of those females receives a letter written here monthly that comes straight from my heart. I thought it might be time for the other one to receive a letter as well.
Today you turn 600 months old. Instead of getting into lengthy math equations I will provide for the readers that 600 months is equal to 50 years. Over the past 20 or so of those years, I have watched you build a life for yourself through good times and also some extremely hard times. I've watched you struggle through divorce, single handedly raising two children (who later turned into two teenagers, for the love of god). I've watched you put yourself through school to pursue your dream of becoming an artist (no worries, there are still plenty of years ahead for that). I watched you become a brand new grandmother, twice. I've watched you lose your father. I've watched you marry your soul mate. I've watched you take on the role of sole provider as that soul mate became ill. Most importantly I have watched you become comfortable in your own skin. A feat that is truly admirable.
I am so proud of the person that you have become and am jealous of your ability to be who you are, no matter what. It is important to be true to yourself, this is something you have taught me not through words, but through example. You are entering a new phase of your life and I have never seen you so beautiful or so sure of yourself. I hope that my daughter will be able to learn as much from you as I have.
I wish the next 50 years to be the best time of your life. You deserve so much. You said that you could not imagine leaving your children behind when you left this earth. I said that I could not imagine watching my children go before me. We both are right. It's not fair either way. Do not dwell on what lies ahead. Enjoy this time in your life and take the wisdom that the last 50 years have given you to make the best of the next 50 years.
I cannot thank you enough for being my mom. Happy Birthday to you. I love you.
What a beautiful tribute. Happy Birthday, Lin.
Posted by: The Greatest Aunt | Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 09:58 AM
Ju,
Thank you for this from the bottom, top, and both sides of my brimming heart.
I Love You.
Mom
Posted by: Mom | Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 05:56 PM
You rock Jenny.
Posted by: Simon | Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 12:22 AM
ahhh! you're a nice daugher.
Posted by: Pamalamadingdong | Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 01:29 PM
Hey! Nice new look, glad to see the snow gone. I like it. Especially the "heaven and hell" thing. Cute.
Posted by: Mom | Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 08:01 PM
WOW- what can I say? I have two daughters, hopefully they will see this in me someday! Your Mother is a most wonderful person!
Posted by: Tammy | Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 08:59 PM
Damn - I am crying! Excellent letter...I can feel the love you have for her and can only hope my daughter will have that much admiration for me in the years to come.
Posted by: AL | Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 12:16 AM
What a good daughter. Thanks for visiting our group site. Enjoy your trip to Pennsylvania - land of the unpredictable weather. It might be snowing or 70 degrees. Good luck packing.
Posted by: daughter in law | Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 10:05 AM
THAT was beautiful. What a wonderful tribute to your mother. I am sure it means the world to her that you love her like that. May we all write letter like that to our Mothers. Wonderful!
Posted by: Jazzy | Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 01:26 AM