LETTERS TO MAMA by Annie Edwards

Letters to Mama by Annie Edwards

Dear Mama, I wake up each morning at 6:30am and arrive in my mirror. I brush my teeth, splash some water on my face, and change into today’s clothing. I wander to my bed and add some new lines to my mural, it’s getting rather large now. After that I have to attend to some business. Once my work is complete for the day I am allotted leisure time, which is when I am able to write my letters to you. It has become my favorite part of the day. I hope you are able to visit soon, the security around my room is getting far less strict. I miss you Mama. Only a few more years until I am out of here! I love you! Dennis

Dear Mama, This cold, dark cell is a terrifying place. I miss the warmth of our California sun and the salty ocean coating my skin. I’m trying to keep a positive mindset, but it is challenging while being alone. Will you send me letters? Can you ask Daniela to send me letters? How is she? Is she doing well at her new school? How is the puppy? He must be so big now! Will you send me photos from home. I could hang them up around my room. I have been doing everything I need to do to learn from my mistakes. I am growing up, Mama. Please visit me. I love you! Dennis

Dear Mama, They told me today that due to my hard work I am receiving time off my sentence! How exciting! I hope I am able to finally see you once I am home. Has anything changed since I have been gone? I hope people don’t look at me differently. They have to know it was an accident, right? Mama, I miss you. Will you visit me before I go home? I love you! Dennis

Dear Mama, The guards outside my room were talking about my departure today. It should be approaching soon! Will you come pick me up? I hope you have been receiving my letters. I miss the smell of your perfume or my sheets when they were freshly washed. Do you think I can start work again when I come home? I want to apply to colleges, but I don’t know what college would want to have a criminal at their school. They would have

to understand, right? It was an accident. I have been receiving some treatment for my anger and I feel much calmer about life now. Father would be very proud of how far I have come. I hope you can forgive me for my mistakes. I would love to talk with you about everything I have learned during my time here. You wouldn't need to stay long. Just a quick hello. The guards were saying it should only be another week or so. I love you!

Dennis

Dear Mama, They moved me to a new room today. The guards said it would be my final room before exiting the prison. It’s very different, but I was excited to have a change of scenery. I got the most delectable meal today! It was all my favorites, you must have told them! Thank you, Mama. They told me I can have visitors tomorrow before I leave. Do you think I will see you? I cannot wait to see you! Why don’t you ever write back to me? Is it because of Father? I told you it was an accident. It was never meant to happen. He knows how I get when I get angry, but I am better now. It was a big misunderstanding and I’ll be home soon. I love you! Dennis

Dear Mama, I think this will be my last letter before I see you! The guards let some man into my room today to talk to me. He told me about the afterlife and how I could better myself. It was really strange, but I guess it was nice to talk to someone. I wish it could’ve been you. BUT! I was told I’ll see you very soon, but I still wanted to write something before they move me out. I hope you can forgive me. Father just made me mad. He shouldn’t have done it like that, but I’m better now. Nothing like will ever happen again. I’ll see you and Daniela soon! I love you! Dennis

“Mama!” Dennis shouted from the chair.

She nodded as tears filled her eyes and she held her husband’s photo close. Dennis waved to her with a large smile that faded away second by second.

“I love you, Philip,” she said as she placed her husband’s photo on the ground and walked away.