ANOTHER LETTER TO MAMA

ANOTHER LETTER TO MAMA
By Tommy Franks

Hello Mama,
I love you, Mama. Man can do a lot of things on this planet. He can invent. He can educate. He can visualize. But when it comes to making a MOM, only God can do that. Time (sometimes) is our enemy. That’s why I want to say these things now to you, Mama...even though you are now in heaven. Yes, I know we have no contact with those of you who have gone on to heaven, but somehow, I believe that God allows you to look in on us occasionally. Perhaps!

Mom, so many words are left unsaid...until it’s too late. Does anyone really know why? We as children seem to hold them in our little hearts...and let the years go slipping by. While you were here, I probably never mentioned it very much...how thankful I was for you...being my Mom and all. There was so much I wanted to tell you, but life went by so fast...so very fast...and then you were gone!

I know even before my birth that you prayed for me. I did not know then how much you would be worth. By the very nature of your motherly attributes, all my basic needs were met. You cared for me; you loved me...even before I knew how valuable a “Mom” could be! Is it too late now to thank you for so many precious things?

Where do I begin? At night, you would read me stories, poems, and the Good Book. You tucked me in so many times. And remember the time I was so sick and how you stood vigil at my bedside? When I was scared and afraid, you always made me feel secure, safe, and loved. You really cared! Mom, many times I was a pain in your backside...like the time I threw a long spiked spear attached to a broom handle at a passing truck…or the time I acted ugly and you almost destroyed the bathroom door to discipline me. I looked into your caring brown eyes and saw that I had caused you much pain.

You were right about so many things, but sometimes I wouldn’t listen. After all, I was almost grown…16 years old going on 25. I thought I knew better than you... only to find out later that my immaturity was evident. Tell me something, Mom. How is it that when I tried to sneak in a little white lie or half truth that you knew? Was it something in my eyes or the way I said it? I’m so sorry. I just did not understand at the time that your rules...were for my own protection. At times, I know you worried about me, especially when I was in the Air Force in France, Germany, and England. You probably thought that I would be sent to Viet Nam one day. You prayed. I traveled. The Lord preserved.
I love you,
Your son...Tommy