THE WIND PHONE
Dear Mom
Postmark Heaven
Hi Mom,
You’ve been gone for almost 5 years now. I miss you so much. I think of you every single day and I see you every single day. Especially when I pass by a mirror. It is uncanny how much I look like you. I’ve seen myself in family videos and my mannerisms are so similar to yours too. Thank you for that gift.
Gosh, there have been so many changes in the last couple of years. We had a pandemic. Something that I never thought would happen in my lifetime. The entire world was shut down. It was suggested that everyone be confined to their homes. Except for groceries.
We had to wear surgical masks. We did not go anywhere without hand sanitizer. If we had to go out, we had to stay 6 feet apart. This went on for a few years. Yes, years! It was just terrible.
Then vaccines became available. We had to line up in our cars and medical staff would pop a needle in our arms. It was a series of two shots. Then we had to get a booster shot. And then another booster shot. It was like a science fiction movie.
The news every day was about COVID-19. Covid. Covid. Covid. People were in hospitals and dying. Thousands and thousands died. Can you even believe what I am telling you? If you had to go to a hospital, all staff were dressed in hazmat suits.
It was a very sad time. As much as I miss you, I am so glad that you did not have to witness this horrible time. Covid has died down considerably but now and then, a spike occurs. I think this is our new normal.
There is a horrible war happening now between Russia and Ukraine. It’s been going on for a few years. It’s so sad. So many lives lost and a truce does not seem likely to happen anytime soon. There are still struggles in many countries. I don’t think that will ever go away. It’s always going to be something. Presently there is another war in Israel.
The weather is nuts. Hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, mudslides, tremendous amounts of snow in the winter. The heat is very intense in the summer. You would probably love the heat. You were always so cold. The news reports this is all because of global warming. Maybe so. Who knows?
Politics. Good grief! It’s a shit show. We had a president a few years ago who was not my choice at all. Some say he did so much for the economy but all he did was divide the country. So much anger and hatred. It’s all very disturbing.
The LGBTQ community is thriving and finally starting to be accepted. I am so happy about this. But you know others are closed-minded and stuck in their ways.
Our Pope is very progressive. Just the other day he said that same sex marriage should and can be blessed by the Catholic Church. Not a marriage ceremony but a blessing. So at least we are going in the right direction.
Our kids are doing great. Both are married. I love their soulmates. Maybe they will be blessed with children. It will be quite a challenge raising children today. But both kids are really smart and have so much common sense. I know they will make wonderful parents.
I will make a wonderful grandparent too. I remember how great you were with the kids when they were little. They just loved you so much. It was such a treat for them when you and Dad would come for a visit. Those family trips to Florida were memory makers.
The cats are still alive and kicking. I have written a few cute stories about them. They make us laugh daily. Although they are a handful sometimes. They both have health issues. We are dealing with it.
We lost our dear sister-in-law. You have probably seen her in heaven. I miss her too so very much. She was taken much too soon. Please tell her I love her and miss her. Her son is getting married next year but I am sure she already told you that.
When you see Dad, tell him that I am sorry that I did not ask more questions. I should have pushed for more information about his time in the war. I know that was hard for him to talk about but I would have approached wisely.
I wish I knew more or anything at all about his childhood. His Mom and Dad. Anything at all. I have nothing. And as you know all of his siblings are gone. There is no one left to ask.
Is he still playing Gin Rummy. Give Dad a hug and a kiss from me.
I miss our times in the kitchen. We had so much fun making meals. I remember when I used to come and visit in Florida. Most of the time, I would arrive late at night. But those late-night eggplant parmesan dinners were so delicious. Who could say no to that at 11 p.m.? Do you remember the Star is Born salad? The one with the Starfruit?
I wrote a story about that too. So far, not been very many comments but that’s ok because it's just so special for me.
I am sure so much more has happened in the last 5 years. But this letter would be a book and not just a little story.
Well this is all for now. Please continue to watch over us. I know you do. Until next time. I love you and miss you so much.
Love,
Your daughter.
P.S. We just found out my son and his wife are having a baby. I will finally be a grandma. At age 70! We are all so thrilled.
