Growing up, I looked forward to leaving the house for adventures. Overnighters, cross-country excursions, camp, or even school. Why? Because I got the coolest notes tucked into my belongings from my mum. I couldn't wait to unpack my bag just to see where she had secretly hidden another cardstock piece of paper. Through grade school, she would pack my lunch every day and nearly all of those days I would find a handwritten, sticker-bedazzled message waiting for me. The words were nearly always the same. "I love you!" "Have a good day at school!" "Remember who you are!" And always, always signed with her customary greeting of "oceans, mom". In Kitty language, oceans roughly translates to all that aloha does for Hawaiians.
As my transition back into Midwestern life took place, I remember talking to my mum one night and sharing with her that I was sad to think that since I was living closer, I may not receive her notes anymore. I should have known better than to doubt her note-writing abilities. At least once a week since arriving in Columbus I'll come home from work to find a card smiling at me saying, "oceans, kitty."
Kitty has been sending me more frequent notes in recent months at the most opportune times. And these notes have been sustaining me through a great deal. I carry them with me. My mum has offered me insightful advice, buoyed my spirits, and reminded me of who I am. Tonight I came home to find a belated birthday card waiting for me boasting a Jane Austen quote. I smiled over the quote and wept over the love conveyed in my mum's message inside.
I have been horribly negligent in my note writing, and I fear in conveying to my mum, and my nonny, how incredible they are. Birthday cards get lost, Mother's Day gets postponed, but always my mum writes to me.
So tonight, Kitty, I have one thing to say to you.
oceans, engquist
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