Lynn Hubbard is a historical romance author. Her titles include: Run into the Wind, Chase the Moon, Return to Love, Desperado, War of Hearts and several others.
Find Lynn online at lynnhubbard.com
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Lisa Vandiver
Dear Mom,
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I am writing this letter to you because I want you to know I love you very much. I appreciate everything you have done for me since birth. I am sorry if I have hurt, disappointed, or created difficult situations for you. It has never been my intention to cause you any pain or sorrow. I am thankful that through the rough patches, you never quit on me. You have always been there for me in the good and bad times, have been my rock, my greatest comfort in times of sorrow, and my best cheerleader, even when I did not exactly deserve one.
You have not had an easy life, raising six kids without a man to help you, but you did it successfully. I do not remember a time when I went hungry, thirsty, unsheltered, or unclothed. Somehow, you managed to provide for our family, and keep your sanity intact through it all.
I have watched you muster up courage and be tough as nails when you needed to be and gentle as a lamb when necessary. You truly are my hero and I hope that one day I can be the kind of mother and friend to my own daughter that you have been to me.
All three of your sons are respected family men and your daughters are nurturing, caring mothers to their own children. I would say that is a strong testament to how well you parented us.
I have watched you throughout the years as you have lovingly treated people with sincere care and worth, always compassionate, and always thinking of others before yourself. The world would be a much better place if everyone loved one another as unselfishly as you have loved others. You are a special woman and a wonderful, loving human.
You raised me in church, taught me to love Jesus, books, others, and myself. You taught me how to be a productive, strong woman. The person I am today is because of your love, countless prayers, and your faith in God.
You were always there each day when I got off the school bus; I could always count on you being there. I could count on so many things from you, such as a bountiful breakfast every morning and a delicious dinner every evening. Somehow, though we lived on a meager budget, every Christmas and birthday was always special and I looked forward to each one because you made the holidays special. I do not think I ever realized just how much you sacrificed for your kids, and more personally, for me, specifically while I attended college. Thank you for those sacrifices. You may not have felt appreciated back then, but I want you to know that you are appreciated now!
I can still recall the memory of our first chat about death when a young child from our church passed. You helped me to see that death was just another extension of life. Though it was a sad time, you comforted me by reminding me that as we mourn for little Carmen, we could keep her with us in our hearts and minds.
We have enjoyed some wonderful times through our lives together as mother and daughter. I am thankful I have had the pleasure in this life to be your daughter and to have the joy of having you in my life. The memories are priceless, forever locked inside my heart to call upon when you are not near.
I laugh aloud when I think of some of the things you did for your kids. How many mothers would put on roller skates, skate down a wooden hallway floor to make sure their child had a good time? (I am sorry you broke your bone in the process.) You Played kickball, softball, and even tag with us. The fondest memories are of you stuffing yourself with watermelon on a hot summer day, taking walks around the 'circle' just to get us out of the house, and singing Amazing Grace and other spiritual songs. I have always loved the sound of your voice, be it in speech or song. It has been a source of comfort to me. Many of my childhood friends enjoyed coming to our home because you were kind, young at heart, and playful.
I recall our trip to the Smokey Mountains. How fun it was to see the sights with you and Bonnie! Though we were on a budget, we still had a grand time together taking hikes, riding horse trails, and exploring nature. I recall the bikers we met on the trip, and how kind they were. The pictures I have from the trip bring a smile to my face each time I look at them. What a laugh we all had over the 'afternoon trip' Bonnie and I took as you rested in the motel room. Oh, boy what a trip that was!
Thank you for all the trips you have taken with me. I think we have been all over the Southern part of the United States at least once! Ha!
I recall the countless nights that you spent time with me at the dinner table, playing board games with me. Oh, what good times they were! I can still hear our laughter, see our smiles, and feel the joy in my heart as I revisit those precious moments.
Lastly, I am so appreciative to God that he has allowed you to be a part of my daughter's life. Keira loves you very much and I see a lot of you in her. To watch you hold, rock, sing to, and play with my daughter is a blessing beyond compare, and I thank God for those sweet moments.
When this life is over for me, I will be celebrating a new life in heaven with everyone I have loved and held dear on this earth, with you right by my side-as you have always been. Thank you!
With Sincere Love, Lisa