While we and our loved ones still draw breath, may we remember to let them know how cherished they are.
From a 31-year-old son to his 63-year-old mom...
A text message on May 6, 2022, from Dillingham, AK, to Somewhere, NC...
Shared with permission...
~*~*~
5/06/22
I don’t have any profound words of wisdom or divine revelations. I just know that as your loving son I am compelled to share my love and support with you, Mother.
I’m not sure you realize the joy and passion for life that you have imparted to me. Two nights ago, I drank entirely too much vodka with my friends and stumbled home through the rain to my office. I proceeded to turn on my Bluetooth speaker as loudly as possible and dance my heart out for the better part of an hour. Looking back on that moment, I realize that was your spirit pumping through my veins and expressing itself through my pair of left feet.
It is your spirit that propelled me to the Himalayas, the arctic, and to the far reaches of and into civilization.
It’s your spirit that leads me through the rigors of the intellectual exercises that lend me the peace of knowing what I know, and knowing what I don’t know.
It is your spirit that leads me to tears at the witnessing of the simplest beauties in life and in word.
I know you have suffered far beyond what one ought in this life. That fact breaks my heart. But know that your life and spirit has led to manifold joys whose impacts are still becoming known. Your love and your zest for life will carry on far beyond the length of your life or mine. And only God knows how wide the impact will be.
Know that your joy, your sadness, your triumphs, and your failures have meaning. Not only now, but throughout time. You are loved. You are known. You are my mother. From ear candles to hikes, to uncomfortable political discussions. You are my one and only Mother.
May God bless you.
With all the love a son can muster,
-Son
~*~*~
Son and I had spoken via phone, late afternoon, May 5th.
He asked how I was doing.
(I had been released from the hospital on May 1st after an unexpected 3-night stay for two good-sized blood clots, one in each lung.)
I responded "I'm doing okay. But I think I'm going to cry."
He responded, "It's alright Mom and completely understandable."
The next morning, I awoke to the text message shared above...
Tears rolled...
Feelings of gratitude, humility, that I'd done something right in my life, joy, and so much more....
