Dear Mom...

Ariel,

I saw your Aunt Sue at the Inn St. Tot lot and we remembered your mom together. I have not seen her since your mother's passing and the get together at Lucia's place at the Maples. I am not sure if you remember me, but I became friends with your
mom after briefly taking care of Asa and Ben. I watched/listened to your movie and was struck by the similarities in how your diction is much like your mothers, it is how you carefully end each word. Without doubt, if your mother had been given a greater gift of time, then you both would have found peace and sanctuary in love and forgiveness. I too always remember your mom when I pick strawberries. I have your mother's manicotti recipe that I also use for strawberry crepes. Whenever I taste a ripe cherry tomato, I remember your mother and I eating them off the vine in your backyard. Your aunt told me how well all of you are doing. I googled you and saw the phenomenal impact you are having on the lives of children and your mother's activism is alive and well in her beautiful daughter. I have always thought of all of you and wondered where and how all of you were doing. Time marches on, and sometimes it shouldn't. I just turned 50 this summer and your mother has stayed forever young in my mind.

Always,
Leslie

Ariel, this was lovely. I'm happy that you found peace and that you are keeping your mother alive through for kind gestures. It makes me feel grateful to have my mother, I'm a college student so im consistly calling her for random stuff. thank you for placing this video, i know that making it was probably bittersweet but you can help girls be grateful for what they have. I am going to show this video to my older sister, for she and my mother are always at it. my sister has about been the tough kid too. I hope you continue to keep your mother in your heart and live your life to the fullest.

I can totally picture the flowers, the love bracelet, and so many warm memories you bring to the front.