Wednesday, September 09, 2009

A Note From My Mom

I've been going through a lot of stuff in the house, getting rid of old stuff that I don't use and sorting things in preparation for moving next year and I found a notebook from my 24th birthday. My Mom had the idea that it would be neat for people to write something nice in a notebook and I could read the nice notes later.

My 24th birthday would be the last birthday I would celebrate with my Mom as she would leave us six months later.

I found the book recently, sitting on a bookshelf of course, and thought that I would share the note my Mom wrote to me.


To My Dear Son, Jonathan,

As I look back over the years, the one gift you have given me, which stands out, is laughter. From your baby smile, which you did with your whole body, to your obsession with the Dukes of Hazzard (“I’ll be Luke and you be Daisy.”) you’ve given me smiles and laughter. Remember at the dinner table when you practiced being windshield wipers? And Mr. Spoon? And the stories you would act out with whatever was handy?

Even ushering me down the aisle at Elizabeth’s wedding, you got your emotional Mom to smile and laugh.

And so in this coming year I would wish for you many smiles and much laughter.

Love,

Mom

3 comments:

Crystal said...

That's very special, Jonathan. Thank you for sharing.

I found a video of her that people in Erie made for my birthday. I'm almost afraid to watch it knowing how much it will hurt.

It's on VHS. So I'm going to convert it to digital. I'll share it with you when it's done.

Jeremy Beach said...

I am also thankful that you shared your note. I have a shoe box that contains a few keepsakes that I've collected over the years. At the bottom, there is a note from your mother that I am very grateful to have although I usually avoid reading it because I know that I'll cry afterwards. Her words were very kind even though her note was an admonishment of sorts.

I have a tendency to think that I'm worthless, and your mother never hesitated to boot me in the rear for this. As much as I resisted, I remain grateful for her affectionate, motherly treatment. I am thankful for the time that I got to spend with your mother on this side of eternity, and I am looking forward to seeing her again on the other side of eternity.

Barb said...

One of my treasures is a note from your mom, as well. It's been hanging on my bulletin board since I received it. In it she mentioned how she looked forward to getting to know me better. When I'm feeling lonely and unlovable, I read it and am comforted the she would want to know me.