more than three whole worlds

And so as I make my way through this process called moving, sorting boxes, putting on a fashion show, purging items whose time has come, trying to juggle time to cross off to-do list items like laudry and tampon run, I came across a box marked "games". We thought it was a mislabled computer moniter. It wasn't.

There actually were a couple of games inside said box. There was also an electric tea kettle and a set of Martha's favorite glasses (made in Poland). There was also the memory book my Mom put together in honor of my 22nd birthday. Maybe finding things like this is what makes moving stressful -- or maybe it is finds like this that keep us sane.

A note that I thought had been lost forever. As part of our eighth grade graduation exercises we were asked to write a letter to our parents of gratitude. These would be presented on graduation day. My Mom had actually framed mine and kept it on the book shelf which was in the entry way. I knew she moved it with her, but it wasn't among her things that had been sent to me. She left a copy here. It reads:

June 6, 1982

Dear Mom,

Thank you for all you've done for me these last eight years. I know it hasn't been easy especially trying to hold a job and still take care of me. I've been far from a bundle of joy: like the time I melted my wet tennis shoes on the heater so you wouldn't know I got them wet or the time I was playing with your lipstick and I accidentally bit it.

I know that you have made many sacrifices for me and that I acted like I didn't appreciate it, but now I realize how much I really need you and how lucky I am to have a wonderful Mother like you. Without you, who would I have to care for me, yell at me, or love me the way you do. I couldn't think of anyone who could take your place, because you do your job so well. Thank you again.

Love,

Chris

P.S. I love you more than three whole worlds.

For the note she left me, you'll have to go to my livejournal.