"Mom and dad are doing well. They send their love. They both miss you.
"I saw your mom last week. She looks old and she seems tired. I asked if she would have lunch with me, but she refused. I doubt she'll ever forgive me.
"I tried to talk to your father on my way here, but I don't think he wants to hear anything I have to say. I was a big disappointment to him. He always told me that he raised two boys and finally you had given him a daughter. He was determined to spoil me rotten. Somehow, I forgot to be the daughter he wanted me to be. I miss the hugs he used to give me.
"The kids are getting big and they ask about you all the time. Jeanie is dating now, but there's no boyfriend, yet. She's keeping it casual. Jack is starting to notice girls. He has a lot of questions and needs you to answer them for him. No boy wants to talk to his mom about girls."
She finally smiles at me. I know it's hard for her, but I do see hope in her eyes.
"Are you happy, My Love? Do you have someone who loves you? Is there someone who brings you joy, who holds you at night and kisses your tears away? I hope there is. You deserve to be happy. I want you to be happy.
"I wish I could be happy again, but I don't deserve it. I was happy until I threw it away for nothing of any value. You know how they say that time flies as you get older? Well, it crawls when your life is broken like ours. Most days are like the day before, one after another and nothing changes, and then some days just seem like they will never end. Most days, the kids are the only reason I get out of bed in the morning. I'm just putting in time at work. My friends have no use for me. They blame me for what happened to you.
"Bill left about this time last year. He got a job in Denver. I can't say I was sorry to see him go. I never met him again after that night.
