Good Morning and Happy Mother’s Day. Love one another, just as he commanded us. Love one another! It sounds easy doesn’t it? Our Scripture readings this morning tell us if you love me, you will keep my commandments. There are times in our lives when it is easier to love others but there are also those times that require hard work, a conscious decision to keep on loving even when those you are supposed to love are driving you crazy. This morning I would like to share with you a glimpse of the amazing way that God loves each of us through the love shared by a mother and daughter over a lifetime in their letters to each other. I know that for some of you here this morning, Mother’s Day is difficult, especially if achieving pregnancy has been difficult or you have lost a child or your relationship with your own mother or a child is source of worry and pain. My prayer for you this morning is that by the power of the Holy Spirit you can experience the depth of love that God has for you and share that spirit of love. Scripture tells he abides in us and will not leave us orphaned. So please sit back as we share these letters and remember that you are God’s child and his love is more infinite than the love a mother has for her own child and he is waiting to reveal that love to you.
Dear Mommy,
I miss you. I got the birthday card that Grandma sent for my eighth birthday. The puppy of the front was so cute. Daddy doesn’t cook the eggs the way I like them and he put too much peanut butter in my sandwich for lunch. He didn’t even cut off the crusts. Teddy won’t stay out of my room and he fed spaghetti to the dog. I hope grandma gets better soon so you can come home. The dog threw up on your bed. I got an A on my state capitols test. I miss you.
Hugs and kisses Jen
*****
Dear Babe,
I miss you so much. I miss brushing your hair in the morning, and I miss kissing you goodnight. You’ve been such a good girl these past 2 weeks. Daddy says you’ve been a big help to him, especially by telling him how mommy does things so that he won’t make mistakes. I’m also proud of you for doing so well in school. Before she died, Grandma asked how you were doing in school. I told her about the A you got on your state capitols test. She smiled and said she was very proud of you. Next time we have one of our special days, I’m going to tell you all about Grandma when she was a girl. And I’m going to tell you some of the little secrets she told me when I was your age. I’m glad I was here to say goodbye to her for all of us. I sure do miss her. I’ll see you in a few days when Daddy brings you and Teddy up here for her funeral.
Lots of Love, Hugs, and Kisses,
Mom
*****
Dear Mom,
I got to camp late last night but wasn’t the last one here so even though I am still twelve I get to bunk with the older girls. The girls in my cabin seem pretty cool. One of them even has a tongue ring. I wish you had let me color my hair before I left for camp. Everyone has theirs colored. If I am a social outcast it’s your fault. Just kidding (not really). It feels weird to be away from home. By the way one of the girls said she would pierce my eyebrows if I wanted. Is that OK? See you in a few weeks.
Love you, Jen
*****
EXPRESS MAIL, NEXT DAY DELIVERY – BEFORE NOON!!
Dear Jen,
The answer is no! Absolutely not! No piercing! I tried to call you as soon as I got your letter, but no one answered the phone.
Remember the story I told you about your Aunt Rosie? When she was in college she decided to get her belly button pierced, figuring that Mom would never find out. Only, she let one of her friends do it, and her whole navel got infected. It was not a pretty sight. When you return, we can discuss the pros (if there are any) and cons of body piercing, Ok?
By the way, the night before you left, you asked if you could color your hair orange or green. Honey, you caught me by surprise, and I was a little distracted by the box of snakes that Teddy and his friend, Rob, brought into the house. But now that things have calmed down, and I’ve had some time to think about it, I guess it’s no big deal. If you’d like, you can get it colored at camp – whatever color you want. Have fun (but no body piercing) and enjoy your summer camp!
I love you, Babe,
Mom
*****
Dear Diary,
I hate her. I hate her. I hate her! She treats me like and two instead of 15. I spent an hour getting dressed this morning and she said “you’re not going to wear that, are you? Doesn’t she know how she makes me feel when she says things like that? Doesn’t she see me for who I really am? Why does it matter what I wear? I’m not her! I hate the way she dresses - so last decade! But I never tell her that (well almost never) I can’t wait until I leave for college! She drives me crazy. I can’t believe she was flipping the porch light off and on while Sam was saying goodnight. At least I got to kiss him before she realized we were on the porch. I’m not a baby anymore. Can you believe she woke me up at 8 to go to church!! Good night Diary
*****
Dear Sis,
How are you and Rick doing? I know it’s been 7 years, but I still miss Mom. She always liked going to the earliest service on Sunday, and we carried on her tradition today by going to the 8 o’clock service. It was difficult for Jen because she forgot that we had agreed to do that in memory of mom. I’ll remind her when she’s speaking to me again. Right now, she’s mad at me. Everything went wrong yesterday. First, she borrowed a rather revealing outfit from a friend and wanted to wear it. I guess I could have been a bit gentler, but I was startled at how much older and how stunning she looked. I’m not ready for my 15 year old daughter to look like a 20 year old.
Later, she said she was going out with friends, and she left with 2 of her girlfriends. So I was surprised when I looked out the window last night and saw her alone with Sam. Jen knows she’s not allowed to date yet. They kissed goodnight so quickly that I almost missed it. Unfortunately, Teddy snuck downstairs and saw it, too. Before I could stop him, he flicked the porch lights on and off on them, then ran upstairs to hide. Jen was furious. She thought I’d done it. She stormed past me in a huff and slammed the door to her room. I’ll just wait until she calms down. Then I’ll tell her what really happened with the porch lights (or maybe I’ll let Teddy do that), and I’ll allow her to explain why she was just with Sam. I know I drive her crazy sometimes. I don’t think mom ever drove me crazy, but I think I probably gave her most of her grey hairs. Mom was the queen of patience, wasn’t she?
Take care, Sis.
I love you.
*****
Dear Mom,
I can’t believe I’ve been at school 2 months. There was a get out to vote rally last night. I can’t believe I’m finally old enough to vote. I can’t wait to come home for Thanksgiving. The food is terrible. My classes are pretty hard, especially organic chemistry. I don’t know if I passed my mid-term (don’t tell dad). How is Ted? I bet he’s breaking all the girls’ hearts. Tell him to stay out of my room. Could you put some more money in my account? PLEASE!!!!! All my friends are going to New York City for the weekend, and I really want to go but don’t have the cash. How are you and Dad? It was good to see you on parent’s weekend. I went to a Christian fellowship meeting last night. The music was great, and one of my friends from high school was there! I don’t know if I will go again, but the chaplain was pretty nice and invited me to Worship on Sunday night. I might try it out. College is pretty fun. Well that’s all for now. See you at Thanksgiving. Love you, Jen
P.S. Don’t forget the money
Love your poor daughter
*****
Dear Jen,
It sounds like you’re having a wonderful time at college! I’m glad you’ve made friends, and as true friends, I’m sure they’ll understand why you can’t go to New York City with them, as we discussed over the phone last night. I know you’re disappointed, and I’m sorry about that. Did I ever tell you about the time your Uncle Johnny went down to Florida with his friends for spring break? Some of them went a little crazy. Things got out of hand, and they all ended up in jail. That incident really scared your Grandmother.
Dad said to get your vote on where we should vacation this summer. He wants to tour Rome and Florence , but Ted wants to go on a cruise. Where would you like to go? Of course, if you have to go to summer school, we may have to postpone such a vacation for awhile. By the way, did you pass your midterms?
Take care, Honey. We miss you and pray for your everyday! Do your best.
Love,
Mom
*****
Dear Mom,
I know I shocked you last night when I told you that Chris and I were engaged. I know that 20 is young to get married but he really loves me and I love him. I know I have only known him for 3 months but we are going to have a pretty long engagement and wait until we graduate before getting married. Weren’t you and Daddy married when you turned eighteen? I am so excited! Would you help me plan the wedding?
Love, Jen
*****
Dear Jen,
Yes, I was shocked when you told me that you and Chris were engaged. He is a fine young man, and you two do seem very happy when you’re together. You’re right, your dad and I were only 18 when we got married, but we’d known each other since childhood. We grew up not only in the same town, but in the same neighborhood.
I am glad that you’re planning a long engagement and that you want to finish college first. Perhaps during that time you and Chris can really get to know one another. On your next trip home, we can talk more about this. There are so many things to consider, not only about Chris, but about yourself as well, before making a lifetime commitment to each other. Take care, sweetheart.
Love,
Mom
*****
Dear Mom,
I miss you. I wish you lived closer. I finally heard from the doctor today and the news isn’t good. Chris and I may not be able to have children. He said that it gets s more difficult as you get older but I didn’t think thirty was that old. I still can’t believe it. This has wrecked the both of us. I am so sad. Mom, pray for us. I’ll call you next week.
Love Jen.
*****
Dear Jen,
Day and night, I’ve been praying for you and Chris. Please don’t give up hope. Remember that it took us 10 years before we were blessed with you. I thought I’d never have children either. But then God blessed us -- with you and with Ted. Don’t give up, Babe. God’s timing is what it is. Right now, it is simply our time to stay together, to pray together, and to trust God.
Peace and Blessing,
Love, Mom
*****
Dear Ted,
Thanks for the card. I really appreciated the wrinkled old woman on the front of the card. Chris came through and had a surprise 50th party for me. I can’t believe I am fifty. It seems like we were just kids teasing each other and getting into fights. Have you talked to Mom this week? Her neighbor called and said Mom hit her mailbox again backing out of the driveway. What do you think we should do? I don’t want to see her get hurt or hurt anyone else but she is so stubborn about giving up driving. Have you checked out the assisted living facility yet? Please try to get over there soon and start talking to her about how much easier it will be. Tell her Dad would have wanted her to be safe. I hope you Sarah and the kids are well. Hello from Chris, Michael, and Mary. See you in a few weeks
Love Jen
*****
Dear Jen,
You sounded so worried about that little accident I had with the car and the mailbox. Please, I can take care of myself. I just sneezed and turned the wheel a little too soon. It could have happened to anyone. And frankly, I was mortified when Ted said both of you wanted me to consider moving in to an assisted living facility. I may be old, but I don’t need assistance, and I certainly don’t need to live in an assisted living facility!! I may live alone, but I’m certainly not lonely. I have my church and my friends and my God, and I won’t let my children take me away from my home, thank you very much!
Your stubborn old mom
P.S. You know I love you.
*****
Dear Mom,
I’ll be out next week to help you pack. I imagine it must be difficult deciding what to take to the new place. I’m sorry you have to leave the house and the old neighborhood but I’ve worried about you being alone since Dad died. You know you are just being stubborn not moving in with me and Chris and Michael and Mary. We have plenty of room, and you won’t be a burden. Let me take care of you for once. I worry about you falling and being alone.
Love Jen
*****
Dear Jen,
I’m looking forward to seeing you next week. I remember when you were little and I left you with Dad and Ted while I went to help my mom when she got very sick. Fortunately, I’m not sick. I’m just moving into my very first apartment! I guess when you get married at 18 there are a few things you miss, like a little independence and your very own apartment. I never really missed it, though. Your Dad was a wonderful man. I will miss my home and my vegetable garden and my flowers, but at least I’ll be living in the same town with my daughter and my grandchildren. I still thank God for the many blessings he’s given me, especially for my children and my grandchildren. Tell Mary that I can hardly wait to read her essay!
Love to all,
Mom
*****
Dear Mary,
I hope all is well at school. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was in college. I was at grandma’s apartment yesterday going through some of her things to give to good will and I came upon a box of some pictures and essays of yours. She saved everything and was so proud of you. I can’t believe she is gone. I was not always the easiest child and when I was younger I didn’t appreciate what a generous and patient mother she was. I hope that I can be the type of mom and grandmother she was. Right before she died she even made me promise to watch out for Uncle Ted and keep him out of mischief. I don’t know how Sarah does it! Life is not going to be the same without her. I didn’t realize how much I depended on her for advice. Do you remember what the pastor said at her funeral, that Jesus has prepared a place for her and I have hope in that? I know she’s with Grandpa now, and I know they are both with God. There is so much uncertainty in life but of one thing I was always certain and that is the love your grandma had all of us and for God. I am so grateful for time we had with her. Well that’s all for now Hon, I’ll see you in a few weeks. I miss you!
Love Mom