Happy Birthday, Mom
I don't say it enough. But I'm grateful for you.
Not just for everything you've done.
but for still being there,
even from eight thousand miles away.
I love you.
— Parker
a letter for you
01
I'm writing this from Thailand.
It's been six months since I left.
Six months of heat, stillness, and time to think.
I came here to find something. I'm still not sure what. But I know part of it has to do with you.
02
Being alone has taught me things that being surrounded by five brothers never could.
I've learned that silence isn't empty. That not every problem needs a peacemaker. That sometimes the person I need to understand is myself.
03
We haven't always understood each other. I know that. There were years when the distance between us had nothing to do with miles.
But even then — even in the hardest moments — I never doubted that you loved me. And that has made all the difference.
04
You raised six of us. Six boys. Six different personalities. Six people pulling you in different directions every single day.
I don't know how you did it. I don't know when you had time to breathe, let alone dream for yourself.
05
You gave us your time. Your freedom. Years of your life spent on our schedules, our needs, our noise.
I used to take that for granted. I don't anymore.
I don't say it enough. But I'm grateful for you.
Not just for everything you've done.
but for still being there,
even from eight thousand miles away.
I love you.
— Parker