February Your Turn winner: death can't stop a daughter's love

By Christine Her of Harding Senior High School

The days and nights were so long when you were in the hospital. I never knew what was wrong with you.

My dear mother,

Do you remember how we used to have tickle fights? I would be laughing so hard that I would cry!

And I won’t forget to mention your sneaking around in my “secret diary.” I still remember your answer to why you read it. “If you didn’t want me to read it, you would have hid it.”

I love how playful and brave you are. I remember when we lived in Superior and dad would take us all swimming at Lake Superior. We had so many adventures together. I love how adventurous and strong you are. It shines through you and, boy, is it beautiful.

When we moved to Minnesota, I remember us having so much time to play and get to know each other. You always made me smile. My absolute favorite thing about you is your velvet nose. You never scolded me for feeling your beautiful nose.

And remember Einstein? My poor guinea pig; who died of being steamed to death in the back of the truck. Our two-day trip cost me my dear friend. But you were there to hold me and assure me he was happy where he went to: Heaven.

I always believed you.

The days and nights were so long when you were in the hospital. I never knew what was wrong with you.

When you died, I felt like a piece of me was torn off and disappeared. I always thought you would win the battle with leukemia. I guess I was wrong.

I know you fought your hardest and tried your best. I thank you for that with all my love. I prayed every night for your health. I cried so much. And I still do.

Do you know that even now, I miss you terribly?

I remember the note you wrote to me in my diary. “I want to be your best friend, someone you can talk to and trust.”

When I see that note, I can’t help but to cry, knowing I’ll never get that chance. I am so lost without you here. And when all is lost, who am I to turn to?

When people talk about their mothers and how they argue, I can’t believe how lucky they are. At least they have a mother to argue with.

When you died, a hole was created in my heart. My dear mother, I want you to know that I love you. I regret never telling you this. But I treasure the time we did get together and all the sweet memories of us. I hold on to these memories as my most valued treasure.

This is my love letter to you mom… better late than never, right?