February 8, 2020 

Dearest Brynnie,

Every time I read your letter, I cry...about almost every single word and thought--maybe it’s because my heart can feel you loving me.

It makes me so happy that you and Dad took this pilgrimage together.  It awoke so much in your Father.

It’s humbling to me that you see me as a survivor, too--a survivor of a childhood filled with both exhilarating joy and too much sorrow.  You led me to realize how well I really did make my way through it all and how I can be proud of how my journey brought me to this time and place of healing and strength.

Thank you for remembering my precious brothers so beautifully in your writing....my older brother who died too young. 

         “You and your two brothers--three chased and chasing tumbleweeds--

         making your way while your Mother worked and fog unlaced the

         winter orchards.”

This beloved memory will be a gift to me forever.

I would never have imagined that someone would come along who would understand (so well) how I move through this world...and be able to articulate “me” so much more profoundly than I ever could.  And that someone would be so very precious to me...

“Song”-- My Beloved Mother.   “Oh”-- Me, Survivor.

My Lyrics--Forged from the Awe That Is My Life...Brynn and Leigh’s Mother.

Love always,

Momma Bear

Read Brynn’s letter