Dear Mom

I look back over these past couple of months and I realize how much I have changed. Not really my personality or what I say and do, but what I feel. I feel like I finally understand. Mainly, I feel like I understand you better. I love Scarlett more than I thought possible and now I understand how much you love me. I understand that all those crazy things you did (like not letting me play baseball on Sunday or buy "satan's panties" ) were out of love. I am sorry I got mad and yelled at you when I did not get my way. I understand now that it probably broke your heart when I was 16 and whispered under my breath "I hate you". If Scarlett did that to me, it would break my heart. I am so glad that I went to Nauvoo and was able to grow closer to you, even though we were a thousand miles a part. How many times I called you crying and homesick, you were always able to cheer me up even though you missed me too. I know I gave you a hard time and in many ways still do, but you are my greatest example. I understand now how important my example is to Scarlett and it makes me want to be a better person. I love you... Happy Mother's day (late of course:)