R.I.P.

12/16/61 - 5/17/04

I miss you beautiful lady. I can't believe it's been five years. A long time, but also only five years.

I think I've forgotten what your voice sounds like, and that makes me incredibly sad.

I had a conversation about you the other day at work. An older lady was going through what I went through, and I think your story comforted her.

Mom, you are so brave. Not were, are. I'm sorry I can't see you more often. I promise it'll happen. I can't wait to have the Catalina 30 fixed so then I can go sailing and be closer to you.

I always say this, but it'll never change...
I wish you could see who I've become. I wish you could have gone with me to Cottey, I wonder if you would have liked it, and what you would think of my friends and love interests.
I wish I could have squaredanced with you. I think it would have been fun.
I wonder if you would like my tattoos and like what my career goal is. I wonder what you would think of my tattoo idea that I want to get for you.
Thank you for making me the strong girl I am now. I wish you could see all this.