Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> Jill,
>
> Sometime in the year before my mother died, I found a framed copy of the
> following poem. I gave it to her as one her gifts on the Christmas before
> she died the following March. I don’t know who wrote it, but I wanted to
> share it with you. I was barely able to speak at her funeral. I read this
> poem instead.
> __________________________________________________ _______________________
>
> Most Precious Mother,
>
> This I know . . . . . As your child, I have received the most genuine and
> important message from you. I know you love me and have always loved me.
>
> I know you have, to the best of your ability, with the work of your body,
> dedication of your mind, and strength of your soul, given me love, shelter
> and food. You have given me as much of your time as possible in this
> hectic, hurried world. You have given me fun and laughter. You have given
> me safety and protection. You have taught me about life’s unpleasantries
> without scaring me too much. In my darkest moments, you appeared with
> comfort and understanding. I always knew you were on my side.
>
> I know you did the best you could with the tools you were given. Because
> of this, the door to my heart is always open to you.
>
> Thank you for the pleasures and treasures you have given me, both deserved
> and not. I know at times I troubled you, and for this I am sorry. There
> has never been anything you have done that has taken away my unconditional
> love for you. Always and now, in my eyes, heart, and soul, you are to me
> the most loving touch, the kindest thought, and the most perfect gift.
>
> I have never known a time I did not love you . . . . . I loved you with
> every breath you took . . . . . I will love you . . . . . forever.
> __________________________________________________ _______________________
>
>
> I also wrote of her, many months later, “Fleeting beauty as the years pass
> by are my memories of you.”
>
>
Thanks for posting this; it's beautiful, and would have been a fitting
addition to my mom's funeral this past February.