3RD LETTER TO MAMA

3RD LETTER TO MAMA
By Tommy Franks

Dear Mama,

Mom, today, I have four children of my own. I believe you would be
proud of them. No, they are not perfect...but they have a lot of you in them. You know, you always did enjoy the special holidays throughout the year. You made them so special for us. At Christmas, Dad would get the Christmas tree. You would get out the decorations. All of us would attempt to decorate the tree...and then Christmas Day would finally dawn...with such excitement. I remember one year, I received a BB gun. You were a little hesitant at first, but then you decided that I was responsible enough to use care and caution.

Did I ever mention the time I shot holes in Tommy Thomas’ bicycle tires? I guess not. Forgive me, Mom.

I’ve always loved you, Mama. When I get to heaven, we will sit down and talk about your grandkids. Well, just the other day, I really wanted to get a hold of your grandson, Tony. It was not enough for him to dilly-dally with my expensive computer, but when he came home, he ran his Toyota truck right into the old oak tree in the front yard. The tree was fine. No comment on his truck...not a happy scene.

As you know, I inherited part of your temper. I had to apologize later to Tony. He’s only an overgrown teddy bear with a heart as big as the Grand Canyon. You would love him as he would you.

With that being said, if I could have one special wish in my whole life that would come true, this would be my wish: “That my children would love me as much as I have always loved you. Thanks Mom!”

I remember…you always wanted us to brush our teeth and wash our faces every single day. You wanted me to always wear clean underwear...just in case I was in an accident or something. You didn’t want them to see me in dirty underwear. Thanks for all the times you bandaged me up when I would skin my knee or elbow or arm. You would always encourage me to keep going. And Mom, I want to thank you for all the times that you continued to help, even though you were so very tired and sick...and didn’t want anyone to know. Thanks for checking my pockets before you washed my jeans. Crayons, ink pens, candy, and bubba gum never helped our washing machine.

Thanks for all the hugs you gave me...even the times that I didn’t hug you back when I was a teenager. Thanks for not telling Daddy about all the times I acted up and was a pin in your backside. Thanks for being there for me and loving me with your special love as only a Mom could do! And Mama, don’t forget to pray for me. I need it! I miss you and love you so much...
Your son...Tommy