« “That’s Why I Smile Like This!” | Main | “Something About Me Will Always Be Mormon” »
A Cherished Old Note From My Mother
By Steven Fales | July 1, 2010
August 1988
My Dearest Steven,
You are now 18 years old and now graduating from high school. This is quite a milestone in your life. Before you lies the whole world. I wish I could embark on this journey with you. As I look back on all the years you have been in my care and keeping my heart fills with sadness and joy. Sadness that the time has gone by so swiftly. You have always been such a joy to me and filled my heart with such comfort. You pulled me fthrough many lonely hours. You are my shining star, Steven. Thank you for splendoring my life with your presence; for giving me the honor of being your mother. My heart fills with joy as I’ve watched you prepare to go forth with determination and enthusiasm. The world is in need of your talents, Steven and the honorable spirit that you are.
I hope you picture your mother dear as you open these books and find the treasures that lie within their pages. Know of the love the Lord has for you. I pray that He will give you understanding and wisdom as you seek to discover all thrugh at all levels of understanding. I pray that you will be truly fee and find joy and happiness in the abundance of life. you can achieve your dreams, Steven. Become what you already are. My love for you reaches far beyond the realms of this mortal existance. Our bond will span the eternities — my precious son, my love to you.
Mommy
*********
My mother wrote this handwritten note in the leather-bond LDS scriptures she gave me upon graduating from high school and just before I entered the Boston Conservatory as a freshman. This is probably the most treasured letter that I have. A mother’s bond is the strongest and most complicated bond in the world. We have had our ups and downs, but if I ever doubt my mother’s love for me, I re-read this. It has often made me weep.
My mother and me outside her log cabin home in Cedar City, UT
I wrote notes inside leather-bond LDS scriptures I bought for both my children when they each turned eight and were baptiized. I would rather have them be homophobic toward me than not have a concept of a higher power in their lives. I know, however, that I don’t have to worry about either. Are the stories in the scriptures true? I don’t know. But these are the stories. A religious education at the very least is a liberal arts education. If you don’t know Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob. Well that’s not knowing basic in Greek Mythology! Zeus who? Apollo who? Athena who?
Topics: Steven Fales | No Comments »