An Open Letter to My Mother
Covid-19, Why are you keeping us apart?
It’s unimaginable! I haven’t hugged you since December 2019. Of all the things Covid has stripped away, this one hurts most. I often scroll through my phone, looking at pictures of us together. I sometimes close my eyes and imagine being wrapped in your jasmine scented embrace. The absolute essence of you.
I laugh, reminiscing how we both fall asleep during family movies. Usually one leans on the other’s shoulder for support. Shortly after, soft snores are heard by all. This gives us away every time. Secretly we both know it’s going to happen and we love it.
Summer has always been “our time” together. I excitedly await the end of the school year knowing I’m coming home — to you.
I know how much you hate city traffic, so every summer, I offer (after a few dropped hints) to take you to all of your favorite places in the metro area. Mom, who will drive you around, if not me?
I miss you more each day? My longing intensifies with each new states order to stay home, be safe… Summer is slowly fading away and with it, my hope.
Our reunion is dangling on a flimsy chance for a viable vaccine this year.
I scour the news daily for any hint of a solution that will bring us back together. Right now, scientist feel like those action movie heroes on their quest to find the Ark of the Covenant. White lab coats dashing through data and dodging infection.
We need a real life Covid killer. A vaccine to fix everything that’s been destroyed. And at the end of this nightmare, there will be heart pumping music playing loudly over the soundtrack of our lives, creating goosebumps and collective cheers. It all ends with me driving to your house and shouting “Mom! Come out it’s safe!” I walk quickly, gently into your open arms. Our hug is desperate, tearful, grateful and free. We both laugh and cry not able to tell one voice from the other.
Yeah- that would be amazing!
“Hey Mom, Facetime me later. I’m making chicken for dinner”. I laugh as your video feed spins upside down. My heart melts watching you figure out technology. “Hi baby, I’m making a salad tonight.” Chattering on and on about nothing until…
“I love you mommy”! I love you too baby”.
I want to shout, “Mom, make sure you laugh and do something fun every day. And for goodness sake, hold on to something when you enter and exit the shower!” I want to say everything, all at once, just in case…
Instead, I repeat the echo of my heart. “I love you bunches mom. I’ll call you tomorrow”. Bye…
Our call ends and I reassure myself,
We got this! Our love is epic in nature and no virus can change that! Be safe Mom. Make sure you wear pants while on Zoom! And, call me later.
XOXO, Your Favorite Kid😊