printMy beloved daughter writes:
“You know, unconditional love is all good, but love isn’t my big thing these days. What nuggets other than unconditional love could another mother proffer? How many nuggets per year? How many are rehashed from previous years? These are the kinds of silly questions that roll through my head when I read yet another one of your articles or emails to me. Pardon the cheese, but you’re a fountain of knowledge that I can always turn to and inexorably get the truth from. As kind, loving, and sweet as you are, this isn’t what separates you from the other mothers and makes you the best one ever. You ARE the best writer on this continent. Not only that but you are one of the most unique gems EVER in that when you speak from the heart it IS truth and that is just about impossible to find, not just in moms, but in humanity at large.
But let’s hail the love a mo’, just because you do it so much gooder than the rest. Why? Because your love isn’t stupid, simple and declarative. You act. That email you sent me the other day, which took you over an hour to write, moved me so because it was the most loving gesture EVER. I have re-read it at least six times now. Sometimes I can’t believe how far we’ve come and how wonderful our relationship is. I know that you’re looking out for me always and it makes me so calm and happy inside. And a little tearful when I think about it.
So mum, I just adore you. Thank you for everything always.”
***
For once, I’m without words.
(I like the way she pokes gentle fun at mom’s grammatical fetishes with “so much ‘gooder.’” She knows me “good.”)
Well, I’ll pitch in to give you my wishes for a happy Mother’s Day too, although after reading that I’m rather at a loss for words as well. What a nice gift that letter is!
[Thank YOU.-IM]
When I have a child, I hope and pray that he or she is as intelligent and compassionate as yours!
This Mother’s Day letter to you from your daughter touched me. This is a very rare letter in the day and time we live in. Most mothers are fortunate to get to hear the words “happy Mother’s Day” from their children. This is an extremely selfish day we live in–just as the Bible says would happen in the last days or “end of times.” Your daughter has great respect for you. Many in the world will never read her letter, nor care to. It didn’t get past me for a second. In 2008, the american family is terribly fractured. This letter blessed me. This is a very rich and rewarding gift. Shalom, Martin Berrow
[Thank YOU for looking deeper.–IM]