THANK YOU NOTE
I Should Have Said, “Happy Mother’s Day”
I didn’t know you were the one who loved me. Not all moms have given birth — some just gave life.
Dear Helen,
“Happy Mother’s Day.” I wish I’d said these words to you when you were alive.
I didn’t know. I knew there must have been someone because I had memories. Lovely memories. I remembered:
saying my prayers
warm water running from my head to my toes
giggling
being in someone's arms
smiling people
happiness
Memories that had nothing in common with my life. I knew I wasn’t right — that something was wrong. But I didn’t know what.
I don’t blame my birth mother. It must have been hard for her to raise a child that was critical of her every move. She told me I was too picky. Even as a small child, she resented that I could do things better than she could — only because I’d learned to do what I was supposed to do.
Put your books away before you get out your blocks.
Cover your mouth when you sneeze.
Say thank you.
That’s not yours. Don’t touch it.
Pick up your toys.
Good girl.
You’re such…
