Sunlight struggled through the bookstore café windows, highlighting my notebook as I scribbled. Scents of coffee, cinnamon rolls and books surrounded me, captivating my threads of imagination.
Mom was due to arrive at any minute. I’d been working on a special project for her. A memory journal with daily entries for the most vivid memories I could recall.
Books were one thread of similarities that we shared. I smiled into my steaming cocoa and closed my eyes. My mind clicked into gear and I put the pen down.
Dear Mom, thanks for teaching me to read. I know homeschooling wasn’t easy, especially when I hated that skinny purple textbook. But you introduced me to a world where anything could happen and you never gave up.
I love knowing that we’ve read some of the same books, like the Nancy Drew mysteries. You helped me collect every single hardcover. Seeing you in my mind reading, makes me realize we have more in common now than ever.
Thank you, Mom.
The entry composed in my mind, I opened my eyes and scrawled it across the empty pages. I slurped the cocoa while doodling little smiley faces along the border.
Writing in the memory journal was harder than I’d expected, there was still a page to fill. I was puzzling over which memory would fit in the remaining space.
My teardrop in the morning,
My heartsong at night
You were the center of my life
May you be blessed...always
You gave me hugs
You gave me kisses
Best of all you gave wishes
May you be blessed…always
A tune skipped through my head and I hummed, penning the last verse on the white space. My name was signed with a flourish at the bottom and I stuffed the completed project into a shiny gift back.
Heading to the checkout counter I picked up a gift card. “Fifty dollars.” I instructed, tugging out my cell phone. “Thanks.” I tucked the card into the journal, pressing the button for Mom’s speed dial.
“Mom? It’s me…where are you?” The answer on the other end made me smile. “Uh-huh. Did you make a right or a left? A what?...Mom…park and I’ll come get you.” I flipped the phone shut, suppressing giggles on my way to the parking lot.
Some things will never change. Including my loveable, confident…and directionally challenged mother.
“Put your right hand out and your left foot in…” I hummed softly, walking out into the sunshine.
When the stars shine tonight
With their heavenly light
I’ll say a prayer for you…Mom.
May you be blessed...always.
Copyright 2008
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