Throughout your entire life, you gave me so much joy and happiness. You filled my days with a sense of need and fulfillment. And, as you grew into a young man, your needs for me changed. It was no longer a need to be protected and cared for as a child. It became a need for advice and guidance. It also was a time of conflict and independence as you searched for your true identity.

     As you matured into a man of 22, you shared with me your inner beauty; one of compassion, understanding, gentleness and deep love. Then at 24, you left this world for a better place, but your leaving left me full of despair, anger and emptiness. It also left me with a multitude of regrets, one in particular. I had failed to tell you how much you gave to me; how much you had enhanced my life, by just being you; and how happy I was that you were my son, but it was too late.

     Now, seven years later, I’ve realized that it’s not too late to show you my gratitude for all that you gave to me. I can also give you a tribute; by continuing to live my life to the fullest, you will continue to live through me.
Love, Mom (Felice Seriel)