Dear, woman of all women whom to which I owe my existence in this world...mom

Greetings from Costa Rica, ma’am!

How are ya, pretty lady? It’s so very true that we all become a little bit of our parents as we grow older. I find this most acutely accurate when I am far away from home and you are not a mere hop skip and a jump away. This is when I see both you and dad in myself. For example, I’ve have become a photo-aholic, one who sings & dances at the drop of a hat, and a comedian with just a touch of sarcasm—that’s you. Then, there are times where I am a mushy-hearted, early riser, ready to hike up a mountain and explore, touch, and smell everything I can get my hands on—that’s dad.

It’s also during these times that I get to see the advocate I am for my own families values you know, the ones you wrote about in my journal…have cultural sensitivity, be polite, but no one’s doormat, love God, love yourself, family comes first, trust your gut etc…

My favorite advice from you however, did not make it into the journal. Nevertheless, it is and will always be the words I can remember hearing most from you during my youthful years.

That is,

‘When in doubt, don’t just stand there; do it!’

Now, I know I’ve tweaked this saying just a tad from its original format of ‘When in doubt, don’t.’ but this new version has worked wonders for such activities in the past—tattoos, motorcycle riding, sky diving, the army, you know…the light stuff. Fear not however, I promise I will not use this advise for anything that Aunt Flora wouldn’t do. ;) LOL

Any who, all is well on my end. My host mother, Ms. Hannia is a sweetheart. Actually, she reminds me of you in many ways. Very jolly, very giving, and you both have immeasurable love for your children. Whenever I land in the care of good hands during travel, I always imagine that it has much to do your prayers. Thanks, mom. You’re the best!

In closing, you’ll have to let me know if you want me to bring anything back from CR pretty soon, as I only have a few more weeks of time left here.

And believe it or not, I [kind’a] miss New Jersey. There. I said it.

I love you tons, mom!

May you be richly blessed and kept warm!

Shonna