Mother,

I wanted to tell you how much you influenced my life by being the caring and kind, thoughtful person you are. Somewhere in the back of my mind, an image of what you would have done in my situation or what you did do in my situation flavors what I do now. And as my grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, you are there in their lives as well, though they don’t know you. The good parts of my life, the good things I do, are in large part lessons I learned from you. And though it is not with any deliberate intent that my actions are like yours, I recognize it as it happens or after I’ve done it.

All those times you graced my life and my children’s lives with special gifts or treats or special packages sent from your home have lived on as I’ve passed along those same thoughtful actions to my own children and grandchildren. Sometimes the only excitement for my children’s birthday or for the holidays was from those things you bought and wrapped and sent to us.

You always accepted me regardless what must have been the odd choices I made to live my life. You were then the person I try to be now and I want you to know how much I love you and how often I think of you. I cherish all the times we spent together as adult women, and every time I come upon something you made for me, even 40 years ago that I’ve saved in your old hope chest, I am honored to have it still.

I am lonesome for you and hope one day we will walk together again in the Garden.

With much love,
Your daughter,

Jolene, age 67