Dear Joshua,
Who was this person you were continually texting when you
were with us? Oh, it was a girl. Someone who became your best friend in such a
short time. The one you went to the zoo with to take pictures of the red panda.
Met every day between classes. Attended poetry readings with. Took to five star
restaurants instead of McDonalds.
Only the best for this girl. Who is she?
We knew something
was up when you kept selling your knives and earphone collection in order
to fund your outings. The one you would “run” back to campus
to pick up because she was bored. Hey wait, you were supposed to be home for
the weekend. Hmmmm.
We began to see a difference in you sweetie. You were so
happy. More relaxed. I knew your body language and I could see.
Since Zach you couldn’t hug or relax your hand. You may have
had a smile, but your hand never relaxed.
Private, yes you and she were very private. I couldn’t get
much out of you. I think you were afraid I would quiz her if I ever met her.
But the little I got, I could tell. You were crazy about this person.
We had an agreement that if I texted and you were with her
you would just say so and I wouldn’t bother you. Well, that became more
frequent. Yet, you still shared the places you went. You couldn’t help yourself.
We were that close.
I told you it was hard to share you with this new person. I
was used to having you all to myself. For 18 years. But, I was so pleased you
were having the time of your life, finally….
You would just give me that smile!
I wanted to meet this person! I know you wanted us to meet
her as well. I read your last texts. I was finally going to meet her!
And, I did…. I met her as she quietly came in and they sat
her beside me. I took her hands and looked her in the eye. I told her the heart
wrenching news…..
This precious girl….
We have texted over the past 7 months. You had told me she
was shy. I’ve tried to control myself with the questions. But I want to know
her! As a person….. I want to know this girl who you couldn’t live without.
Finally, last week, she agreed to meet with me. I picked her
up from campus. I couldn’t look around too much. I didn’t want to see your
apartment building. But I saw her! Walking toward me. I wondered if she was as
nervous as me.
We drove to eat at Sweet Paris Crepêrie. We talked and laughed. I
told her I wanted to get to know her for who she was. I didn’t want to just
talk about you. I wanted her to be relaxed with me. I wanted to get to know
this precious girl who you were so crazy about.
You were right Joshua. She was and is fantastic. She is
beautiful, stunning with those big brown eyes and fantastic black hair.
But she is more than that. She is intelligent, insightful… she
is caring and tender.
We ended our time talking of you. It was a special time.
I have closer now. I have peace.
I would like to stay in touch with this treasurable girl. We
shall see…..
You did good buddy…..
Love you forever,
Mom
