Day 21 - Santee, CA - Part Three

Dear Mom,

Words have been spilling out of me for three weeks and now as we end this journey, I don't know how to say what I want to say.

Most of all, I want you to know how sorry I am that this has happened. I really still can't believe it. It seems like a nightmare that we can't wake up from.

I can't imagine what you are facing right now. I just want you to know that you won't be doing it alone. We are all here for you.

Like every parent and child relationship, we've had our peaks and valleys. There is one valley that I wanted to explain to you.

When you and Jack got married without telling James and I, I got very upset with you.

The reason that I was so upset was not because you had done that.

It was because I wanted to be the man that walked you down the aisle to give you away.

In hindsight, I can see why you made the decision that you did. It was something that the 17 year old me would never understand. I hope you can forgive that kid.

I want to thank you for all of your help with my own children. It breaks my heart that they will not get the opportunity to grow up with Grandma Johni. I will do my absolute best to make sure that they never forget the love that you have always had for them.

Thank you for letting me go on this Bucket Trip. I will treasure this time for the rest of my life.

Your son,

John