Dear Mr. Monson: Missing Mom

Some of my most valued treasures, are letters that CJ wrote to his middle school teacher Mr. Monson. They were actually supposed to be journal entries, but I guess writing to someone, was better than talking to yourself on paper.
Each entry usually started with "Dear Mr. Monson" and was followed by "did you ever" or "have you ever".
The entry that sticks out in my mind the most goes something like:"Dear Mr. Monson, Have you ever been in a school program where you try not to look at your mom cause she has black streaks running down her face? Well I have. My mom always cries."
The questions to Mr. Monson were about a wide variety of subjects. Some were funny, some were serious, some were proud and some were even sad. I've often thought about CJ's Mr. Monson letters and how even at such a young age, they must have been very therapeutic. Mr. Monson usually didn't answer the letters but when he did, he did it without advice or judgement saying only "wow" or "thats amazing" or "no, I never had that happen". What a wonderful gift to give a student, a place to ponder about life and your role in it.
So, in honor of CJ and Mr. Monson, I've created a "Dear Mr. Monson" page, where I would like to ponder my own life's questions. Thank you CJ, what a wonderful gift to give your mother. I think everyone should have a Mr. Monson.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Missing Mom

Dear Mr. Monson,

Have you ever missed your mom so much you can't stand it? Well, I have. In fact, I am missing my mom like crazy right now. Today is the anniversary of her death, 4 years ago. On one hand I can't believe it's been so long since she died, and yet on the other, it feels like only yesterday. I think of her often, and want so badly to talk to her and tell her whats been going on with my life. She has already missed so much in the short 4 years that she has been gone.

I miss you mom.