I wish to live

My mom leaves notes around her house. You can find them written on scraps of paper in books or drawers, but sometimes you’ll find them affixed to the wall.

In this case, she posts a note above the sink that starts with a quote from Elbert Hubbard, but expands on his notions in her own words and tells a story about her life.

Her handwriting, so very neat. Even at my most dedicated I cannot recreate the meticulous and elegant rhythm.

I wish to live without hate, whim, jealousy, envy, fear, clean in mind and body, unaffected—ready to say, I do not know if it be so, and meet all people on an absolute equality—to face any obstacle and meet every difficulty unabashed and unafraid!

I was raised by a mother who was on her own and my grandparents (her parents) with so much love I didn’t not even realize I was missing a father. My mother married my father when I was five—he was the best father I could have ever had and I still miss him & his advice.

I look at this note and I don’t think it is posted as a reminder for my mom.

It is a way to share her thoughts with others.