A mother's letter from the grave-words to live by

[wisha52]

 

 

I received this letter upon my mother’s death, I was 24yrs old and George, my brother with Down Stndrome  was 18. My sister (26) and other brother (21) each received a letter of their own. Each was very different and spoke to my mother’s understanding of each of her children. I offer you this letter in tribute to my mother and with the hope you see that what we say to our children can greatly impact on who they are. My mother, through her words, has guided me though my life. Whenever things get tough, I remember what is really important. My daughter, who never got a chance to meet my mother, has been deeply influenced by her through her letter to me. She has asked that someday I sit down and write her a letter too.

 

 PS- The term “happy little huntress” refers to my name Felicia Diane which means happy huntress 

 

My Dear Felicia,

     How can I say “goodbye” to you – my “happy little huntress”?  I have loved each of you equally but each in a different way because of your different needs and individuality. You have always been my “soft” one – too sensitive – too caring. But with all of that, you have a great strength and the will and determination to do the things you must. Like grandmother Brownewell, there is an iron fist in your velvet glove!

      I shall be grateful to you – you have eased my mind and brought peace to me by your love and willingness to care for George. You – perhaps more than the others – understand that has been the nightmare in the back of my mind; the fear of someday leaving him. Thank you my darling for loving him as much as I do and giving me the greatest of gifts, your love.

      I am grateful for the years we have had together and the deep understanding we have had between us.

      I hope you children will always remain close and keep in touch with each other – love each other as I have loved you all.

     I have no great philosophy to pass on. I hope that you will live your life so that there will be no regrets and that the words honor – duty – honesty – and love are as important to you as they were to me, and to my parents and grandparents. Few of us were ever wealthy but our credit was always good and so was our word.

     I have little to bequeath except my love but I love you very much.

                                                                                                   Mother

Picture taken 1 yr. after my birth.

 

[Lb128f]

May. 10, 2009 at 9:10 AM

It's beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. I think "we" all should leave letters...they mean so much.

[wisha52]

May. 10, 2009 at 9:50 AM

Yes! I agree and I have begun the letters I will leave to my children. I think it would make a great cafemom journal theme!

(Original Poster)

[360]

May. 10, 2009 at 11:44 AM

Next year, I am going to turn the tables at mother's day.  I will send a letter to each of my own children.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful mother with us.

[wisha52]

May. 10, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Now that is a GREAT idea! I think I will join you in that! Why wait till you are gone!

(Original Poster)

[julie.r0cks]

May. 10, 2009 at 1:09 PM

How thoughtful of your mother to do this. She is a beautiful woman! Happy Mother's Day

[karriewren]

May. 10, 2009 at 2:54 PM

What a beautiful gift to leave behind. I think a letter like that which reminds us of how much we are loved is more valuable than any earhly treasure.

[ColtsFan1912]

May. 10, 2009 at 3:56 PM

thanks for sharing something so personal. It's beautiful & has inspired me to write a letter to my son.. .just in case

[we2angels]

May. 10, 2009 at 4:47 PM

Thank you.  I have my mom's own letter to me but I don't think I could bear to read it today.  From one motherless daughter to another- hugs.

[babymomma0306]

May. 11, 2009 at 4:57 AM

[msunderstood]

May. 11, 2009 at 4:58 AM

I write letters to each of my 2 kids once or twice a year.  It gives me the opportunity to lavish praise and love without them changing the subject.  Some compliments should be shared on paper.