I received this letter today. It was resting upright on my jewelry table when I awoke this morning. Of course the tears came...in this letter he speaks of our favorite song together, Float On by Modest Mouse. And in the top right hand corner his letter says "True North". Something I told him years ago that he never forgot. I talked with him about what it meant and how to know if he was truly heading in the right direction in his life...what made him truly happy...and what his personal True North is. He has overcome so much in his 15 years of life. A rare congenital disorder, learning disabilities, being teased and bullied in school because he is so different. Still, he remains the tender hearted, creative, hopeful child filled with questions and wonder that he has been from the very beginning. My compass. My constant.
This child of mine....this child, holds a constant mirror to my soul. (I am tearful with joy and gratitude as I write this.) Such joy I find in my children...I know how fortunate I am. I know....
He says to me in his sweet letter, written in his best hand, that my father would be proud of me. That Jerry would be proud and that I am stronger than most and that he is proud of me....and to remind me, that no matter what, no matter how heavy things get, we will all float on alright.....my dear child, this I know. We will float on.....and on. Alright.
If I ever got a letter like that, I would never ever let go of it; I would carry it always. My eleven year old has had more than her share of troubles; I worry about her constantly, so I see the worry in your writing, and know how much it means to have your child say that everything is going to be alright and he will love you always. We wish for no finer words.
What's the old expression? "out of the mouths of babes..." even if he is now 15. You've given this young man more direction, more of what matters in life and he's "got it" at 15. Some people wait a lifetime for that. I agree with Michael...this is one you want to keep close to your heart. ♥
If I ever got a letter like that, I would never ever let go of it; I would carry it always. My eleven year old has had more than her share of troubles; I worry about her constantly, so I see the worry in your writing, and know how much it means to have your child say that everything is going to be alright and he will love you always. We wish for no finer words.
ReplyDeleteThe apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Jennifer. Your child has a beautiful soul - just like his mama.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, sweet letter. ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteOh, Jennifer! You are definitely doing something right...the MOST important thing...
ReplyDelete"I backed my car into a cop car the other day. Well he just drove off sometimes lifes okay." I love Modest Mouse, especially this song.
ReplyDeleteYou're the coolest most specialist Mom, your children are so fortunate! And you're fortunate to have such brilliant loving special creative children.
I agree w/ everything he's written! He's got a poetic way-with-words much like his mama!
<3
This made me cry! What a treasure-you certainly have done something so right as a mom!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the old expression? "out of the mouths of babes..." even if he is now 15. You've given this young man more direction, more of what matters in life and he's "got it" at 15. Some people wait a lifetime for that. I agree with Michael...this is one you want to keep close to your heart. ♥
ReplyDelete