I Couldn’t Agree More

Photo by: Jonathan Borba - Photography

Mark looked over at Melinda. He could see the tears flowing down her cheeks as she read the mail. Immediately he rose and walked over to her. “Another one?” he asked softly.

Melinda nodded as she set the letter down on the counter, closed her eyes and broke down into sobbing hard. Mark took her in his arms and softly whispered. “Everything is alright.”

Abruptly Melinda pulled away and said bluntly, “Everything is not alright,” as she stalked away. “Twenty four letters in 24 days is too much. What was she thinking?” as she closed the door to the bedroom. 

Mark sighed. It was Christmas. It was supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year. He sat on the stool at the counter and had to wonder, not for the first time, if happiness was ever going to be a part of their lives again.  

“Olivia,” he said quietly. “You are just prolonging the torture." 

He picked up the letter.

Dear Mom and Dad,

This is the last letter I promise. 

When I was fourteen we did the Disney Cruise.

Mark looked over the top of the letter towards Olivia’s picture that was on the fireplace mantel. He wiped a tear as he recalled the trip.

That was the best thing I ever did in my life. All the shows were magnificent. I particularly liked the live show that showed all the characters in a great Christmas story. There was tons of food, lots of laughter. There were so many things for us to do. We were all together happy and enjoying ourselves in what would be the last normal vacation we had before everything changed.

Mark smiled at the memories.

Since that time you have done your absolute best to make sure that we all enjoyed our times together. For the last 24 years you have been a rock, giving me the love and support I needed to help me cope. I couldn’t have done it without you guys. You made everyday special, even those days when there was nothing that could cheer me up you still tried hard. 

Mark felt the tears roll down his cheek.

“You have been model parents. I hope that Emily and Sam understand the scope of how important you are in their lives.”

“You should be receiving this letter on Christmas Eve if all goes well. I will miss this time of year. The love and warmth always built new hope. The amount of caring almost exceeded what you have shown for me as it was about all of us. I want you to know that is important. “

There was a knock at the door. Mark opened the door to find a small package on the doorstep addressed to him and Melinda. He picked it up and brought it inside.

“Melinda,” he called. “There is a package for us.” Melinda raced out of the bedroom door.

“A Package? What is in it?”

Mark handed the package to her. “You can open it.”

Melinda carefully opened the package. She gasped as she pulled the book from the wrapping. “It’s a book!” she said through her tears. She handed Mark the book as she sat down. 

Mark stood stunned looking at the cover. “Stories From My Life, by Olivia Wilson,” shone from the cover. “Did you know she was doing this?” he asked.

“No idea,” Melinda said through the cracks in her voice.

Mark flipped open the cover. “For mom and dad, the best parents ever," said the inscription in Olivia’s handwriting. “She has been writing her whole life. When did she find time to put this together?”

“Don’t know,” responded Melinda. “She was too ill at the end. A book. She published a book.”

“Merry Christmas mom and dad. I wish I was there to share it with you. Unfortunately this cancer has me beaten. I just want you to know that you have been loved as much as you have loved me.”

Love Olivia 

“Stories From My Life.” Melinda flipped to the first story. “Here’s one from when she was eight.” She flipped further. “And another from earlier this year.”

“And 24 letters for Christmas.”

Emily and Sam burst through the door. “Did you get one?” they inquired as they placed their books on the counter. As Melinda held up their copy Emily stated through her growing tears. “Best damn Christmas present ever.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” replied Mark as he gathered them in a group hug. “I couldn’t agree more.