To my mom, February 16

Monday, February 16, 1981

          Feeling much better today and tomorrow I've really got to get back on regular exercise program to better prepare myself for delivery. I've been doing them off and on since Christmas but I mustn't waste any more time … blessings on you little one—with all my love.

          P.S. Today is your cousin Eric's 1st birthday!!

Monday, February 16, 2026

          Feeling much better on the days when I can summon some purpose to the tasks at hand, which often requires that I practically strangle any purpose out of it. A regular exercise program is a worthy goal, but an often irritating one to keep. I stay healthier than most, I'd wager, but much like you were I'm not an "exercise-freak" by nature.
          Mustn't waste any more time. Heh. So wild how your words from 45 years ago echo my present situation. I'm blessed to have been your little one.

          P.S. Today Eric turns 46. He contacted me not long after learning to express his concern for us over your loss. Aunt Mamie and Uncle Gary flew out to visit Dad last week. EJ paid for our dinner out while they were here. Fine gestures all.

My mom died on January 7, 2026. She was 70 years old. It was both her time and not her time.

To my mom, February 14

Saturday, February 14, 1981

          Happy Valentine's Day!! Whether you turn out to be a boy or a girl I think you'll make a fine athlete … for all the activity that's been going on inside of me.

          Today has kind of capped a long week for me, I've been sick since Tuesday with a bad cold, and the weather's been pretty bad, too. I didn't get much done so I hope to get going on the projects for your room this next week. I pray for your health, strength & happiness in coming into this world … there are many who anxiously await your arrival. I love you, baby.

Saturday, February 14, 2026

          Happy Valentine's Day!! That one in '81 was your last without me, and this one is my first without you. Strange symmetry. Fine athlete, eh? Maybe only in my head. More than the asthma and comparative frailty to other more muscular boys, it may have been my lack of dedication to any athletic discipline that kept me from becoming a fine athlete. A trait (flaw?) we invariably shared.

          We were pretty sick in December with bad colds/flus, and with the weather turning wet again for a stretch we're doing our level best to stay healthy. I sympathize with the not-getting-much-done aspect of long lingering projects. I'm learning what to hold on to and what to let go, because there's simply too much to manage these days. I pray for your soul, peace & shared memory in leaving this world … there are more than a few who still mourn your departure. I love you, Mom.

My mom died on January 7, 2026. She was 70 years old. It was both her time and not her time.

To my mom, February 5

Thursday, February 5, 1981

          The days seem so long and dreary—and of course the cold, gloomy weather doesn't make it any better. I wish you were here right now, at least I'd have you to do things for—but, I have to be patient … good things take time…

Thursday, February 5, 2026

          Long and dreary. Or fleeting and aimless? I'm not sure which of the two I'm experiencing more. And we both know it's not entirely true: how we perceive things and the way they really are. I wish we were better at discerning between the two, then maybe we'd move through life as God intends: with more grace and understanding.
          Other than that, I'm almost at a loss to respond to your second sentence there … I know having you here right now would not make things better, as I've plenty to do already. I believe you knew that, too, at the end, and that's why you were resigned to the end rather than prolong an undesirable and unpleasant existence. We have to be patient, too, sometimes. But we also need to know when to act. It's a scary place to be caught between stillness and action and being unable to commit. That's ultimately the lesson I pray I take from your example. 

My mom died on January 7, 2026. She was 70 years old. It was both her time and not her time.