My Daughter:

As I look at you and review your life thus far, I am amazed and astounded. It is as if I am looking in a mirror and reviewing my life. I see the hardships, the struggles, the pain and the strife. I cry tears for you. My heartaches and my compassion spills out to you. I want to help, I want to advise, and I want to alleviate your pain. I want to carry your burden. Yet, I know, I must watch, I must be silent. You need to learn and grow and become your own person. I see mistakes you have made or about to make, and I want to correct or stop you. Then I look up and catch a reflection of myself.

I too made those same mistakes. What did I gain? I profited knowledge, growth, and wisdom; I became strong. I too must let you learn, I must let you grow, to become strong. You must become all that you can be. I shall not hinder your growth. I shall remember me. I will remember along with joy you must experience the pain. You must be you; you must have your own reflection in the mirror of life.

Love, Mother

Betty King baking1@qwest.net