Dear Mom,

I know this time of the year is hard for you. I understand that. You are left with your thoughts and the ghosts of your past. But, that's why you had children and a family. We are here for you. I am here for you. I know your sister lives far away and you can't talk to her as easily as some siblings can. You can't consult her on her thoughts about your parents or even ask her how her day was without the time difference get in the way. That's exhausting, I know. I've seen how you get during the holidays -- you get despondent, sad and you retreat inwards.

I don't know what it's like to lose a parent, let alone two. AND around the same time of the year. Only to have your only other family to move far away. I don't know how you got through those years alone before you met Dad, but I'm glad you did. Without that, you'd had never met him and I'd probably never exist. I'd never get to know your love, learn from you and strive to be a mother just as great as you. I know things weren't easy in the beginning and they aren't particularly easy now, but you always did your best.

So, I just want you to know that you should never think you are alone. I will always be here. And I know my siblings feel the same way. Don't get too down during this time of the year, nothing good can come from that. Just think about who you do have in your life and remember that without your parents existing, you wouldn't be alive and neither would I. Please look for pieces of your parents in me and siblings, we are direct reflections of them. Let us be reminders that they were alive and will still live on within us and you.

I will carry their genes and your Mom's middle name, proudly.

I love you!

Becky