In May, I wrote a letter to my Mom. Here’s her response. OK. Not really. But it is a letter that my dear cousin, Nelanie, found in a piece of her mama’s furniture some months ago. (Why my aunt, her mama had it, neither one of us can figure out!) After an address mis-communication that saw the letter make its way from Georgia to Connecticut and back to Georgia, Nelanie decided to hold onto it for a more momentous occasion which came the last week of June with the Supreme Court struck down DOMA and essentially did the same for Proposition 8 in California.
To tell the truth, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share this letter. I’ve only just now gotten to where I can read it without tearing up. It’s a letter filled with love, which Lord knows this world needs more of. So here it is.
A few things to help this letter make more sense. First, read my letter to her. Second, Cookie was one of our beagles. It was also a nickname my mom had for her sister. It was a Thursday morning, and Mom’s routine was to get up, have some coffee, read a little (generally a devotion from The Upper Room and the accompanying scripture), and keep up with her correspondence.
February 24, 2000, 4:20 am
Dear Jonathan,
Cookie’s in her chair, I have a cup of coffee, and Dad’s sleeping a few minutes more. While I have a quiet moment I wanted to write a note to tell you how much we both love you.
Ever since the day you were born, you have been the most special and loved part of our lives. We love you completely and totally without condition or reservation. We are proud of you and of all you do. Jonathan, I can’t imagine not being proud of you–no matter what (emphasis hers)–because you are our son, our child, our young man. Any decision you make in your life will make us proud and we will stand behind you 100%.
Remember my song to you:
There’s a tiny baby boy in my arms,
and I’m so very taken by his charms.
He’s a cutie, sweetie pie.
He’s the apple of my eye!
There’s a tiny, baby boy in my arms.
Son, you will always be in my arms and in my heart.
Love,
Mom
Jon,
you are well-loved. I’m proud of you, enjoy reading your posts and seeing how much you are enjoying your ministry in Connecticut, and glad to think I might have had a small part in your being ordained!
Dan, you had a huge part in me being ordained! My time at ECC was deeply formative. Miss you guys. Hope all is well!
While I will always regret never meeting your Mom, her unconditional love and support for you remain an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing.