“Letters from Mom”

Mom wrote me hundreds of letters and would often send me greeting cards with snipped comics or articles from newspapers or magazines she thought I'd enjoy.

There was always some political drama at work with mom. Regardless of where she was employed, it seems, someone (or some group) was annoyed with her because she refused to fudge numbers or ignore incompetence or perceived injustice.

I don’t recall buying her a Gators insulated coffee mug for $2.50; I probably did not, and reading about it now makes me feel like a terrible son.

8/27/91
Dear David,

I’m in the drive-through at MacDonald’s. It’s about 7:36. I’m treating myself to a breakfast of greasy carbohydrates. I shouldn’t, but eating is what I do under stress.

I made it through a night of not hearing that you were safe in your dorm. All I can say is, you’d better keep yourself safe, my son, or you’ll have me to answer to.

I’m really worried about work today. Basically, I’m in a no-win situation. If I say or do one thing, I’ll have Patty and Julie pissed at me forever. If I go the other way, I could have Tom pissed at me; I could even lose my job or whatever little raise I might be scheduled for. Actually, it may already be too late. I figure at least someone is pissed at me by now. Ah, well, all I can do is try to do the right thing, whatever that means, try not to hurt anyone deliberately – and pray.

On a lighter note, your sister has managed, on her own, to be early to school two days in a row. Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe…

I’ve been looking all over for an insulated coffee mug. If you get a chance, and, if you the couple of bucks, would you mind picking up the one in your bookstore for me? It’s the best one I’ve seen. It’s white plastic with a lid. It was at the end of the row on top and ran about $2.50.

Do you want anything special to eat while you’re home? Have you grown? Do you remember us?

Hey, if you get a chance, please call Nana once in a while. She’s got a sore throat, and a call from you right now would really cheer her up. Well, (this should be a new paragraph)(it would help if I were writing more slowly) I’m at work now and, since I came in early to do some work, I’d better get going. God, how I love you! Wait until you see the yard and our new bathroom!

I love you!!!!!!
Mom

P.S. It was great hearing about your classes. Keep your nose clean and college life will be wonderful for you. I love you!

P.P.S. Did you notice the official stationery envelope? Next time, I’m going for matching…