By Winnie Bolton
I have this habit of saving letters and the other day I came across a precious one touching my heart resulting in tears. I would like to share it with you because I hope all loving families can relate to it.
It was written by our youngest son after his father, Tom, had suffered an over-night spinal stroke completely paralyzing him from the waist down. A shocker!!!
Two months later, March 2005, we sold our Mount Angel home and moved to Sedona, Ariz. to a care facility which could accommodate Tom’s intensive care. At that facility, I was able to live with him day and night sharing in the therapeutic concerns and exercises etc. in our own apartment.
But upon leaving Mount Angel, I was given a diary by a caring friend into which I recorded my deepest thoughts and emotions.
It was a traumatic time and writing helped enormously in expressing my daily feelings: the hopeless, helpless states of awareness I was consciously enduring, the profound prayers and consolations I was soliciting from God, the patience to accept Tom’s diminishing advances.
While rereading my diary of that year I found our son Jim’s letter to be a consoling life sustainer for whatever the outcome.
6-29-05
Dear Mom and Dad,
I have had a very wonderful visit to Sedona. I am so happy that I was able to make it.
Seeing you both in the wonderful place that you are in, with all the care dad needs, is very reassuring and comforting to me.
We realize that what happened in January has caused tremendous stress and strife for both of you. I want you to know that I believe that not many couples would have been able to handle this as well as you have.
Today I spoke with Kevin on the phone after Patricia and I left you this evening. He loves you both very much. All of us do. So much I cannot express it.
I want to tell you thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for us. I want to thank you for all the things you have done for us.
Thank you for all you have taught us.
Thank you for the example you have set for us.
Thank you for the “never quit” and “never give up” mentality you showed us—and still do.
Thank you for the morality you have shown us.
Thank you for the ethics and honesty you have lived by and taught us.
Thank you for the love you have for each other—you have led by example.
Thank you for showing us how to forgive our trespassers.
Thank you for loving us more than you love yourselves.
You have done a great job, you have been the best parents any kid could want.
I am proud to be your son, I am honored to call you mom and dad.
I am glad I had these few days to visit with you, I wish I could see you more often. I will love my children as you have loved me. I will never stop. You have done such a wonderful job. I am so proud of you.
I love you very, very much!
I hope to see you soon. God Bless all of us but especially you guys.
I love you,
Jimmy
