Letters to Sydney
Sequel to Because of You
A box from an unfamiliar address arrived at SPD academy two days after Sydney's birthday, and the day the Family Weekend was ending. Curious as to its contents, she carried it back to her room. Curling up on her soft pink bed, she carefully lifted the lid. She hadn't known what to expect, but she hadn't expected a bunch of letters. Actually, multiple bunches of letters.
'There must be hundreds of them.' She muttered softly as she unwrapped the first set and opened the letter on the top of that pile. 'Who would send me all these letters?' She wondered curiously.
Dear Sydney,
Happy 18th birthday sweetheart! I know its been ten years since I last saw you but please believe me when I say it wasn't by choice. Maybe you don't want anything to do with me but I sent you letters I've written over the years so you would know I was thinking about you. You might be wondering why I decided to send them now, I just wanted you to know the truth so you don't spend your whole life wondering.
Not a day went by that I didn't think of you-my beautiful little girl. By now you've grown into a young woman ready to begin your new life as an adult. It's hard to imagine what you look like and what you are doing now. To me, I will always remember the little girl who loved pink, music, and her daddy. I regret so much not being there for every milestone in your life. I wonder about your first day of junior high school, your first date, your first kiss, and your first love. Instead, I cling to the memories of our eight years together. Your first steps, your first words, your first day of kindergarten.
My favorite memories were the days we spent at the park. You so loved swinging up high in the air. You loved your freedom as much as I did. I see so much of myself in you-but I pray you don't make the same mistakes I did.
Sometimes I got caught up in doing things that I neglected what was best for me. Don't fall into that trap Sydney! Don' t let other people who you should be or what you should be. It breaks my heart to think of someone hurting my little girl or trying to change you. You were always optimistic, always smiling. You brought joy to everyone in your life, I hope that never changes.
I'm not asking for forgiveness because I left you when you needed me most. I may never be able to explain why it happened, but know with all honesty that it was never you. Don't forget me- your mother who loved you and will always love you. I hope these letters will help you reconcile with your painful past. I'm sorry that I was part of that past, and I pray that I can someday be part of your future. But for now, read these letters and maybe you'll get to know me a little better and understand yourself a little more.
I love you. Never doubt that.
Always,
Your mother