Dear Mom

January 10, 2001
by Shaleena Sisomphone

Dear Mom,

I wanted to say how much I love you.

I want you to know what a big influence you had on my life. You have taught me so much, you taught me to be strong, to be compassionate, to feel empathy, that beauty is found within, that there is nothing more important than family. I learned from you how to love, how to enjoy life. For you, life was a celebration of Joy, Peace, Goodness, Hope, Love, & Kindness.

I feel each day how much you loved me and how proud you were of me. You loved angels and butterflies and now I know why. Angels protect and watch over us and butterflies are free and beautiful. That's what you'll be for me, my butterfly and my angel.

I want you to know how many peoples' lives you have touched and how many people are better for having had you in their lives. I am so glad that I got to spend so much time with you these past few months. I am glad that Nia and KC got to know what a wonderful person you are.

I feel you around me and in my heart every second of the day. I know that there is a part of you in me, the way you had of connecting with people and so many people have told me that I have your smile and I love that because that is one of the things people remember about you. I close my eyes and see your smile and hear your laugh. I can hear you say my name.

One of the things that has given me strength these past few days is that I know how deep your faith was. I know that you are with God and that you are watching over me right now and forever.

I am glad that you were my mom, you were a wonderful mom. I always felt loved by you, I knew that there was nothing I could do that would make you stop loving me.

Mom, I just want you to that I will be ok. I know that this will make me a stronger person. I know that this will make us all a lot closer family.

I love you mom
Shaleena