Dear Momma

Started writing this a few weeks ago.  

Dear Momma,

You would not believe the weather this Spring.  Right now it's snowing really hard and it's incredibly windy. I'm sure glad you don't have to go out and smoke in this weather. You would hate this.

I got a wonderful surprise from Becky and Randy today; they moved to a new house (they're downsizing) and I now have your old jewelry box, the one the industrial arts guys from the high school made for you (at least I think that's where it came from!)  I also have some of your old jewelry now too. I was surprised at how much I missed seeing it so I'm thrilled to be able to enjoy it again. It makes me cry. I put your Christmas pins on my Christmas tree as ornaments.  Some pieces are on display as part of my decor, and some pieces I wear.  Grandma's shoe clips go on the Christmas tree as well.

I miss you terribly for some reason, especially when we used  to sit by Abby's yard BSing.  I miss looking up and seeing you looking out your apartment window.  I still go to get things that are no longer there, like the dutch oven, or a favorite pin...just little things that were there all my life and now they're not.

I get lonesome for you...so does Tia.

I got pretty sick after you left but I'm making my way back and doing much better. It's been rough but I come from tough stock...as you would say, I'm a tough broad.

I'm so sorry you had to spend your last days in a nursing home. I was able to keep you out for about 12 years but in the end I just couldn't do it anymore. Looking back I wish I'd put you in the hospice house instead. Live and learn right. I hope you can forgive me.

I love you and miss you so at times,
Jo Jo