One Night, the Rest of My Life

Dear Mom,

How are you? How’s Dad? Is his arthritis bothering him? Hope everything is good back home. I wanted to write to you and tell you everything is good here too! We are very busy with graduation and looking forward to seeing you again!

I’m sitting here thinking of September 7th, 1987, the night that lasted the rest of my life.

I was mowing the yard for Uncle Jim. It was hot. Very hot that day. I was only half done with mowing and I stopped to wipe my brow and rest. Sweating and was soaked from head to toe. I stood under the maple tree for shade when a heard a little voice behind me. “Mister, you look like you need a drink” she said. I turned and to my surprise, there was a short, blond hair, blue eyed little girl standing there. I knelt down and wiped my brow again and said, yes, yes I sure could use a cold drink. She said they lived next door. Her mommy would be happy to get me a drink. I told her that would be great. And she asked me to follow her.

We walked together to the back door of her house. She seemed happy yet sad. I asked her name and she answered, “Alyssa. What’s yours?” “Chris, Happy to meet you Alyssa!” I said. How old are you? “Six and a half years old,” she exclaimed. She said that I am a very nice man. I thanked her and she went to get her mother.

Alyssa’s mother came to the door and just stood there. She said nothing just stood and looked at me. She opened the door and stepped out. I was shocked! I think I know her. She was about 3 years younger than me. She lived in our old neighborhood when we were kids like Alyssa.

I could not believe my eyes! Michelle was beautiful! Her long blond hair, baby blue eyes, and tall! Maybe 5’ 8”! Mom, I knew this was a meeting meant to be. Why? She was still as sweet as honey.

We started talking and I forgot all about mowing the yard. We sat and talked, laughed and remembered everyone in the old neighbor hood. It was great for both of us. Alyssa sat and listened to us talk most of the time.

Michelle asked me to stay for dinner. Of course I accepted. She made spaghetti and meat balls. Excellent! We talked again about her life and her husband was killed in Iraq. He never met Alyssa. She was six months pregnant with Alyssa when he left for Iraq.

That is when I asked her if I could see her again. She agreed. But, I said only if Alyssa could come too. It was Alyssa that brought us together. She agreed.

Mom, that was almost 18 years ago. Now Alyssa is graduating college. She’s going to be a great doctor. Jason will graduate next year from high school.

Mom, just this little letter, a trip down memory lane, makes me love you and dad more every minute. Thank you for the love, understanding and education you gave me. I have now passed it on to Alyssa and Jason.

Mom, I love you! I don’t think that is enough. I do mom, I love you. And thank you for being my teacher for life.

With All My Love

Michael & Family