Today was spent cleaning closets and arranging papers. Of course, there were photos of Mother and lots of mementos that made the memories rush to the surface. One in particular was a birthday card Mother had given me sometime ago, the date isn't written on the card. It has to be some years ago because Mother's handwriting is still very legible. In the last year or so her arthritis had attacked her hands to such an extent that her handwriting had begun to show the effects. At the moment she gave it the card was very thoughtful, now it's priceless. I've transcribed it here for you to read and enjoy.
When I first held you in my arms,
I wanted so much to be a perfect parent.
(You were already a perfect son!)
In the years since then,
I've learned that nobody needs to be perfect
as long as there's plenty of love --
and we have that...
I've found that my dreams for you
aren't always the same as your own,
but we can have trust in each other...
I've discovered that even though we're different,
nothing can come between us...
I've watched you grow and become far more
than I could have imagined
when I was holding you in my arms...
and my pride in you keeps growing, too.
and I love you very much
And, Son, on your birthday,
I want you to know
that you've made being a parent
life's greatest reward,
and I love you very much
Handwritten on the card was a note from Mother. It said, "This card says it all. Love you, John and Mother." She's right, the card does say it all. I cannot begin to describe my Mother and the pride she had in me. I only wish I could. There are no words big enough or deep enough. If only I could tell her so.
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