Author's Note: Each of the following chapters will be a chapter of Lucas's book. Each one will be a letter from the main character (Logan) to someone in his past. Alright. Read on.

Dear Kate,

You know, you were the first example of love I ever got. A child's first model of what it means to love and be loved is their mother. The connection between a mother and their child is timeless and powerful, and a model for all other relationships anyone ever has in life. Things were difficult. There were late nights and money problems, but in the end, we were there for each other, all the time, no matter what. For the longest time, you were my only friend. For the longest time, all I wanted to do was spend time with you, the person I looked up to and admired the most.

But then life came around, and snatched me away from you. Around the time of the first day of kindergarten, I realized something was different about our family. All of the other kids had their mothers holding their hand as they walked into the classroom, like me. But when the time came for the annual parent-child lunch, they all had their fathers. I'd never felt different before that. But that was only the beginning of everything.

On my eighth birthday, you planned that party, with the only people I cared about. You were there, and Kevin, and Heather. But all I asked you for was to tell me who my father was, and why he wasn't here with us now. And you did, because you loved me.

My entire life was spent trying to get out of my father's shadow. I know you tried to shield me from it as best you could, but it was inevitable. I mean, I had his last name. There was one thing you always taught me: hold your head high, no matter what. I'd never been ashamed of my last name before. But once you told me, it triggered a series of reactions. The people took it as their chance to talk about the same gossip they'd heard in your senior year of high school.

But I didn't care. As far as I was concerned, it didn't matter. He wasn't my father anyway. Technically, he was my biological father, but he was never my dad. You were my mom from day one. I don't know if I ever really thanked you for that, so I'll say it now. Thanks, for everything.

I never told you this, but I resented you. I resented the fact that you kept him from me, at first. When I'd heard that my father had tried to gain partial custody, and you'd refused, I didn't know what to say. My entire life, I blamed him for everything: our financial situation, the gossip, and the looks of disdain. To know it all could have been prevented was almost too much for me to handle. I understand now, though. He'd have kept that over your head for the rest of your life. People like him don't change. He was only doing what his high-class family thought was right. He isn't worth it.

Over the years, our relationship changed. Actually, you stayed the same. You were always there, whenever I needed you. I turned into a brooding teenager who didn't need anyone's advice or respect. I ignored you when you tried to advise me and only listened when it was convenient. I was in that phase between childhood and adulthood when I thought I knew everything. It didn't matter, though. You were there when it mattered. You were always there when I needed someone to listen. You were there when I needed someone to talk to me. You were a friend when I needed one, but more importantly, you were my mother.



I love you, Mom. I know I don't say it enough, but there it is, in print.

Logan