A MESSAGE OF LOVE

A MESSAGE OF LOVE

I was thinking, what could I give to my mother on her birthday? What kind of gift could I find, that would be special, that would be remembered? If I could find such a gift, what would she do with it? Surely, after ninety years, what could she need? I pondered this very thought, long and hard. Finally, I realized, yes, there is something. It is not perfect, but, there is, such a gift. It is within the contents, of this writing, “A message of love.” It carries the sentiments of my 61 years, from her son, Robert. 

Dearest Mother, 

This is a token of my gratitude, for giving me life, and for your commitment to motherhood. It is here, my love, fills this message, with words of my heart. Expressions of the past and present. Words I wanted to say long ago, but now, at this time, mean so much. I want you, to hear, these words, of love. Instill them, deep into your heart. 

For love, is the greatest gift to another. And love, is incomplete, unless it is shared. Love, is a sentiment, an expression, held in the heart, fermented with compassion, enriching its contents. Love, is molded, with tears, joy and sorrow. Love, is fragrance, of thoughts, words, and deeds. Love, is sacrifice, forgiveness, and mercy. Love, is not temporary, but constant, reassuring, and gentle. Love, is an accumulation of burning embers in the heart. Love, is not a spectacle, but an endeavor. Love, is endurance. Love, is purity of the heart. Love, teaches truth. Love, is an outpouring of sensitivity. Love, opens the door to the soul. Love, ignites the spirit. Love, is a glow, that illumines another's heart. 

Love, is simply this; it is like a bud of a flower, blossoming into a fragrant aroma, captivating one's senses. The petals of this flower, are radiant, with the face of my soul, blessed by my mother, in life's garden. 

This, is what your love, and life have meant to me. Giving what you could, when you had so little. The hard life you served, always reaching, calming every storm. Healing my bruises, wiping away my tears. Embracing me, when I did not deserve it. 

I am sorry, for when I disappointed you, if I hurt you, and neglected you. I am sorry for the things I could not change, the circumstances, beyond my control. I regret, that, I, did not do more, to make your life, more comfortable. To see your pain, your conflicts, and emptiness, I realize, how little, I really knew, about you, how, my life, has been filled, and your life, has been emptied. Therefore, in these recent years, it has been my privilege, to administer to you, spiritually; for this gift of grace, has enabled me, to share with you, what I have received, enriching, your heart and soul, on your path to heaven. 

Our journeys are different, but the goal the same, to love, to love one another. To say, I love you, is not enough. To say I love you, very much, in public, at this place, is a loving tribute, to how I feel, about my mother. I say these words to you, here, so that you will always remember; my love has been etched into your heart. This, is my gift to you. A gift you can carry, in your heart, every minute, everyday. 

What I have written here, are the missing pages of your heart. They are missing no longer, but now are fulfilled, with my un-measurable love. I am still, a little boy, who loves his mother. Just a little boy, with a flower, a dandelion for his mom. What more of a gift, could I give you, but myself; a little flower, with misting tears, of a little boy's love; petals of love, sprinkled, upon your heart. They are there, for you, always, and forever. 

Robert J. Varrick 

rjvarrick@gmail.com

“A Message of Love” - July 22, 2000
As spoken to my mother on her 90th birthday.
Willie's Steak House

FOOTNOTE: My mother passed away February 13, 2004 at the age of 93.