Letter to My Mother

Post Title:  Letter To My Mother.

Mother’s Day is always somewhat difficult for me, and not only because I found out I lost my twins on Mother’s Day 1999. In May of 2017, the passing of my mother was a week shy of that day. Please read the letter I would write to my mother if I could.

Hi Mom,

Today it will be three years since you passed away. I wanted to let you know I didn’t forget you, or what you taught me most: the importance of family.  You modeled that to me and my siblings your entire life. I hope I’ve lived up to your expectations. Even when I fall short or become impatient with our family, I’m sure you still love me.

Mom, we always had a strong bond. I owe a lot of that to your sacrifice and acceptance of me pursuing my dreams, even though they took me far from you.

I will never forget the day we both learned I was losing my vision, what loving words you said to encourage me that day.

An Unforgettable Memory

You met me in the waiting room of the retinal specialist’s office.  “What did you find out?” you prodded.

“Huh? Nothing.”

“He must have said something.”

I shook my head.

We stood silently side-by-side in the elevator. It stopped at the lobby, and you slipped on your gloves as we reached the heavy, glass doors. I pushed them open and a blast of cold air, typical of late January Erie weather, hit us.

As soon as we reached the car, I threw my purse and notebook in the back and slouched down in the front seat, my eyes closed.

You started the car. “Amy, what did the doctor say?”

“Mo-om. Stop asking. It’s nothing. They just took a bunch of tests.”

“I think they gave you the results of some tests, honey,” you reminded. “You stayed in his office a long time. What did you talk about?”

“Nothing. Trust me. He didn’t know anything.” I huddled in my seat, my head down as you backed out of the parking lot.

You tried to ask me several times as we left the city but I tried to ignore you. I turned to look out the window. Don’t you get that I don’t want to talk about it?

“You’re normally so bubbly. Something’s wrong.”

“He said I’m going blind, okay?” I threw up my arms as I had reached the limit of my patience. “Satisfied?”

Silence.

You spoke slowly, and when I looked over at you, I saw intense grief on your face. I will never forget what you said next. “If I could give you my eyes, I would. I’ve lived most of my life. You’re still young.”

I was twenty-eight. This sweet, tender, hard-working woman I took for granted would do such a thing for me? The anguish in your voice burst a dam inside me.

My face crumpled. I covered my eyes with my hands, unable to stop the tears from coming and broke down and started to share what the doctor said.

As you listened, tears coursed down your face, too.

That day I couldn’t see the trees but I could clearly see your love. Neither of us had the answer. But God made sure I had the right person to support me on the way home, and to this day, it breaks a dam in me when I think about your words.

Mom, thank you for wanting the best for me. And for loving me enough to give me your blessing to teach overseas and travel around the world because it’s what I wanted most right then. When I came back to live for good eighteen years later, you accepted me without begrudging me that time away. I love you for that huge sacrifice, Mom.

Mother’s Day Gift Idea {TIME SENSITIVE}

This year, if your mom is still with you, be sure to tell her how much you love her. If she’s gone, tell the mothers in your family, you love them. I plan to tell my two nieces and a couple of “mom” friends. Here is a unique gift idea I’d like to share:

The National Foundation of the Blind Performing Arts Division will be delivering singing telegrams for Mother’s Day (also Graduation and Father’s Day). I thought it was the coolest idea ever—and for only $5 per song! The singing telegrams will be delivered on May 10^th. It’s quite easy to do.

1. Select your song from the list below.
2. Your request must be submitted by 5 pm Eastern time, two days before the telegram will be delivered (May 8).
3. Fill out the form at www.nfb-pad.org/telegrams or send them an email to nfbpad@gmail.com with your song selection, the name of the person who will receive the telegram, their phone number and / or their email and whether you would like a phone call with voicemail or audio file sent.
4. Pay your $5. Make your payment through Venmo to NFB Performing Arts, at NFN-PAD or make your PayPal payment at www.paypal.me/nfbpad. If using PayPal, please add $5.50 to allow for the processing fee.
5. One of the talented vocalists will deliver your singing telegram to your special loved one.  All information can be found at www. nfb-pad.org/telegrams. Any questions, please contact nfbpad@gmail.com

List of Available Songs for Mothers (and Fathers, for Father’s Day)

Mama’s Song, Carrie Underwood
Mama, Boyz II Men
The Best Day, Taylor Swift
First Man, Camille Cabello
The Mom Song, Megan Trainor
In My Daughter’s Eyes, Martina McBride
Unforgettable, Nat King Cole
You Raise Me Up, Josh Groban
You Are My Sunshine

I wasn’t familiar with all the hit songs so before I chose one, I listened to them via youtube.com. That was such a treat for me. This Mother’s Day, put a smile on a mother’s face. Choose a singing telegram! Support both your loved one and the NFB.

How has your mother or mother-like figure demonstrated her love for you? What special things have you done together?

You have just read “Letter to My Mother” by Amy L. Bovaird. © May 6, 2020. All rights reserved.

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