Letter to My Son
by Jeannie E. Roberts

They asked me what I missed about Minneapolis, Minnesota,
so, I replied— you. When you moved from here to there,
I was disheartened, but understood; after all, you were born

in The North Star State and there’s much opportunity
in Minneapolis. Your independent spirit is an admirable trait,
and I’m proud of you. Also, I wish to express my gratitude

and thankfulness for the journey of motherhood. Being your
mom has been my delight and honor, given my existence
meaning and purpose. I do, however, feel the need to mention

that not a day has passed where I haven’t known sorrow
for having fallen short of the ideal. Your youth was punctuated
by the undue hardships of divorce and stepfamily dysfunction,

accompanied by my naïve decisions, unrealistic expectations,
and blind faith in others. Once again, for all of this, I must
apologize, ask for your forgiveness.

Please remember that my finest and most important decision
was giving birth to you. I love you dearly and hold your being
in the highest esteem, as the ultimate blessing.

Lastly, when I’m gone, I’ll be here, there, and everywhere,
with you—in the vibrancy of rainbows and monarchs’ wings,
 where wood thrush, cliff swallows, and meadowlarks call,

I’ll be light through your window in winter, new green in spring,
and in summer —there’s no doubt, you’ll hear me in the rollick
and buoyancy of children’s laughter.

They asked me what I missed about Minneapolis, Minnesota,
so, I replied—you, my greatest gift, joy, and the best decision
of my life.

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