[Click here to listen to the sermon.]

Dear Darling Son,

Please don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Under the circumstances. Considering all I’ve been through. And my constant struggle. And how much I’ve had to endure. And what I must put up with every day. I’m doing well.

For the most part.

The important thing is that you enjoy your time with your family. Put out of your mind any worry you may have about me, your mother.

Who has always loved you.

I’ve enclosed with this letter a ten dollar bill I found at the bottom of my purse. Please use it to buy something nice for my grandchildren. They look so thin in their pictures, poor babies. (I don’t know what their mother feeds them.) I’ll be fine.

My social security check comes in 10 days.

Thank you so much for the flowers. I put them in the vase next to your picture. So when I look at them and I think of you.

And remember what you look like.

But I know you are busy and that you don’t have time to visit as often as you’d like. That woman you live with (the mother of my grandchildren) demands so much of your attention. It is okay. I enjoy my time.

Alone.

Although the doctor claims I’m healthy as a horse. I know I’m dying. When I think of the many times you awakened me out of a deep and restful sleep with your relentless crying, and how I fed you despite my vast weariness, I welcome death.

It is only a matter of time.

Please know, when once I am buried in the deep, dark earth, and nothing remains of me but a stone inscribed with my name, and I am all but forgotten by the children for whom I have suffered so long, enduring the shame of their misspent youth, that I will always love you.

Love,
Mom

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!