Dear Carl by Anna Friend

Carl’s mom writes him letters occasionally. Carl is her only child. Carl’s father died when he was in college. Living in the Arizona, Carl calls his Mom in the Carolinas as often as he can on Sundays. Carl’s mom is in her 80s. She lives in a contemporary world with old fashioned values.

Dear Carl,

I am sitting here in the “morgue” - my cottage feels like one without the sounds of our Thanksgiving holidays together. I could not love you more than at this moment thinking of your generous gift to me. My family together for Thanksgiving was surreal. To relish the time with the boys and my great-grandchildren completes my bucket list. I hope to do that face-to-face thing with the grands on my phone. Notice I am not saying my “smartphone.” Little 6-foot Marcus told me, “Nan, just call it a phone. All phones are smart now.” He got tickled when I said, “Smartphones, but not a smart Nana.” Your first grand Felice stole my heart when she delicately asked for a piece of my costume jewelry when we were peering into my velvet-lined treasure box. I plan to leave her something a little more valuable in the future. The saddest thing has caused me to pause my day and write to you. I found a sock tucked in the sofa, evidence that young adults, big adults, and my son and wife were piled on my sofa and floor, relaxed enough to ditch the socks and be themselves.

Shirley has called in Hospice. The Monday you left, she called for them. She saw that I was loved and going to be taken care of. This silly woman who loved life and challenged me to live younger apparently has cared more than I appreciated. She thinks of me as an old aunt; I suppose. In shame, I admit that I am jealous that soon she will be in heaven. She gets to meet Jesus. A good life and health don’t mean happiness when you are tired. I must be grateful. The body is a hindrance to a good mind. Shirley is living this out. Please tell Donna thank you for allowing Shirley to give her a facial with her pink and black cosmetic tubes and wares. Shirley made it worth Donna’s time with all the cosmetic giveaways. Donna apparently enjoyed her fresh look. My hand-mirror got good use, not to mention her phone pictures. I chastised her for calling herself “selfish”, but she corrected me. She was straightforward and enlightened me with “I am making SELFIES.”

Son, you are overseeing a great family. Our family legacy of respect, hard work, and kindness is fully engaged with your children and their children. Your dad would be proud of you. It was necessary to complete my disposal of his things into your care and for distribution as you see fit. It was a blessing to see the love in you for him as I pressed the tissue on your stubbled cheek. Thankful is a common word people use, Carl. When I announce that I am thankful, I am audibly worshipping our Lord God. Gratitude to the one who is the creator, provider, and protector of myself and all whom I love. Prayers answered. Remember to be thankful every day for “breath” when you wake up. He ordained that you should live because you have a purpose. In the shower, thank Him for clean, hot water. Take nothing for granted, son. Preacher Larry appreciated your donation to the church for my little quarantine helper, Sarah. He assured me you are on the right road, the road to eternity. It is narrow, son. It’s good though because if you are cautiously walking it, you won’t get distracted for fear of falling off it. Thank you for spending time with my preacher. Dad’s Bible is yours now. He may not have read it much in front of me, but it was markedly used.

Call me soon. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You are Loved, Son.

Mom

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. (Psalm 103:2 NLT)