My dearest Mom, As I sit here with the river behind me I think back to all the times we laughed, and all the memories we have made together. I know you think things were hard, and some times they were, but no life is without it’s challenges. It is my belief that our character is forged from those challenges that are overcome. You have described incidents in your life that were often quite difficult to deal with, but here you are, in all your strength and wisdom. I know in my travels, I have never met a more resilient woman, who on her own steam was able to survive only on strength and resolve. Think to yourself as you sit here reading this letter all of it, childhood, your teenage years, young adulthood, and now here in the twilight you did it, you made it, and it is my belief your reward awaits you. Not one of us knows what waits beyond, we all have an idea sure, but no one man really knows. All my life growing up with my father all I ever heard was what an amazing woman you are, and how beautiful. My father loved you with his whole heart for his whole life, and in the end there was a peace there between you, an understanding if you will. I know you worry about me, and nothing I say here can relieve any of the fears you may have about what the future may hold for me, but with the tools you and dad bestowed upon me I too will be able to overcome any obstacles that may present themselves.
 
I am your daughter and I am very much like you, and I will take your lead, and learn from the mistakes you made, so that I do not have to go through the same thing only to learn the same lessons. Something that is very important to me that you believe to be true in your heart is this, I will forever treasure this time we had together, I needed it, we needed it, I know you think I didn’t have fun, but that wasn’t really why I was here, I was here to love you mom, and I hope you felt that. I was happy just to have this time, and I will never ever forget it! My solemn vows to you are these; to try and slow down and enjoy my surroundings and not try to rush through life as if it is a race. I will try and stay positive in all things and actions. I will try to live up to the ideals of you and dad, taking only the best to heart. I will listen to you in my dreams, when you try to council me through old memories and words. I will remember the passion you displayed in every aspect of your life, and try to mirror it. I will as you so often did, add to the beauty of my environment with my talents, be it gardening or otherwise.
 
I will try to learn to appreciate the fine art and beauty and peace that is cooking. I will attempt to read more, and take the time to try and see others perspectives as well as my own. I will make an honest effort to make fudge for the family on the holidays. I will think of you when I see a kite flying in the beautiful blue sky; and on Valentines Day when you would make such a big deal and we went to Charlie Brown’s for dinner and you bought me books and a plant and chocolate. When we went to Benihana’s just you and I. All the dance classes you took me to and horse camp you always supported my dreams no matter what they were. I admire so much of who you are, and what you have done and accomplished in life, and it never matters what in the end you owned, or what kind of car you drove, or how much was in your bank account, all that matters is that you lived, you loved and you laughed, and that you were loved. It seems so simple, but it is I believe, so true.
 
I hope throughout your journey in life, you will never forget how much I love you, and respect you, and my thoughts and prayers are always with you. I pray our God in heaven will keep you and bless you always. Heaven awaits this much I know, I know who I will see when I get there, (my dream dinner as I call it) my favorite foods, and all my favorite people; Mariah, the little girl we lost to SIDS, Grand Pa Tony, Aunt Ruth, Aunt Emma, Grandma Best, and Dad, and when our time comes, you and I. You have given me so many precious gifts I will carry with me always. I hope this letter will express to you all my love, my whole heart for my whole life.
 
Love, Samara (Munchkin) Sam Sant