{Note: This letter was inspired by a column at McSweeney’s.}
Mahlon,
When the house phone rang at 12.38 a.m., I jumped up and my heart was racing. I knew what the call was going to be about and I heard mom ask, “Already? So fast?”
Leslie, the nurse, told us that your vitals were falling and that we should come to the hospital immediately. Mom could hear Leslie’s voice quiver and my legs shook as I got out of bed.
I don’t know what time we got to the hospital, but we talked to the doctor and nurses and they said it was your time. They made sure you were comfortable and we sat with you for a few hours. We held your hand, talked to you, and gave you so many kisses. I told you that I’d take care of mom and that you were the best dad I could ever ask for.
Taking care of you, during your illness, was a gift and holding your hand as you took your last breath at 3.29 a.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2012 was a gift too.
You are loved, you will be missed, and I know you’ve walked into the light.
I love you,
Tammy