Regina
April 20 2002
Holy crap, that's awesome! Look at the little guy all growing up. Sure he wasn't trying to say my name? I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I hope you got that on tape or something. I've added his picture to my wall of fame. The kid is showing some progress. You really should put him in some art classes when he grows up. Did he end up liking that clown you ordered or did he freak out like every child naturally does? I warned you. Clowns are scary. You've read It. You should know.
I attempted to draw him in the corner blowing out his candles. It's actually not good. Do me a favour and burn that corner of the letter when you get it. Leave no evidence behind of my lack of artistic skills.
Tell Henry I say happy birthday.
Emma
April 26 2002
Dear Emma,
He appreciated the gesture. I'm sorry, soldier, but I'm going to have to keep your drawing. You never know when blackmail may come in handy. Don't attempt your crime boss comment. It's getting old, dear.
You were right. The children were terrified of the clown. Henry clung to me and remained that way all party. It also didn't help the man hired to dress up for the party was thoroughly hungover by the time he arrived. His clown-like tendencies were quite evident in real life. I assumed his personality would transfer well for a child's birthday. Clearly I was wrong. I will not be making that mistake again. Magic show it is next year.
On the bright side, Henry couldn't stop saying my name. Small victories, I suppose. However, with his new teeth he's become a biter. His favourite chew toy: my finger.
Take care,
Regina
May 31 2002
Hi,
I'm sorry I'm taking so long to answer your letters. I'm doing okay. It's just the days are pretty exhausting.
I found out some news the other day. I'm getting deployed to the Middle East next March or so. I'm pretty sure it's happening. I'll be there for a year. Hopefully less than that.
But you could still write. If you wanted. I mean you're not like obligated to keep writing now I just mean that you could still contact me.
And don't worry about the election. Your people love you, remember? I'd vote for you.
Emma
June 7 2002
Emma,
There's no need to apologize for that. How are you handling that news? I understand that it's expected, but it can be surreal, I suppose.
Of course I'll still write to you, Emma.
I will let you know if Mayor can be dropped from my title.
Regina
June 12 2002
Hi,
It is, I guess. But it's what I've been training for, right? Learn to fight the bad guys and protect the country. After everything that's happened though, it sounds like a full out war.
I'll be okay though. My troop is one of the best, so we'll be home before you know it. And when I get back, I'll be on leave for a bit. August is already talking about visiting Thailand. He said he's got some friends there. I might tag along.
And it doesn't matter your title. You'll always be Regina to me.
Emma
August 4 2002
Emma,
Henry's sick. The doctor believes it to be a severe case of the stomach flu, but I've never seen him come down with something quite like this. I don't know what to do. He hasn't had much of an appetite, and all he wants to do is cuddle and sleep, and that's only when he isn't relieving his stomach. He's pale, and he's burning up, but he keeps complaining about being cold, and there's only so much I can do to help alleviate the pain for him. He's finally settled down to sleep now, but he's still not well.
The doctor suggests locating his birth parents to see if perhaps there's underlying illnesses he may have inherited, but it was a closed adoption, and that could take weeks to bypass.
I don't know what else I can do for him. He's so small, and he's so sad, and watching him upset makes me feel so helpless. He's all I have. I can't lose him.
What if it was me? What if I wasn't giving him a proper diet or I did something to hinder his development? What if he needs a blood transfusion and I can't give it to him because I'm not his real mother?
I can hear him fussing. I hope you're doing well.
August 10 2002
Hey, it's gonna be okay, Regina. You got a tough little soldier on your hands, and if god forbid it's anything worse than a stomach virus, he's going to pull through.
You raised him to be like that. To be the best little kid out there, and you raised him and gave him a home, and love, and food, and more love. You're his mother, Regina. You don't need DNA to prove that.
Please keep me updated on him. And Regina? You're not alone in this. You're an amazing mom, and I know you're scared, but when he's crying and sick, he's calling out for you. Don't forget that.
Emma
August 19 2002
Emma,
Henry's better now. He caught a couple overlapping viruses that was too much to handle at once, but he's been better for a few days now. He's back to hiding under tables and sneaking sweets.
Thank you - for listening, so to speak. I lost my head for a moment there. Who knew being a mother came with near panic-attacks on the regular? It's instances like these that make me want to protect Henry from anything that hurts him, but then I remember how my mother did something similar and it didn't quite work out.
But I appreciate you being there and offering advice. I wasn't sure who to turn to. The doctors weren't providing much of an answer.
Take care,
Regina
August 31 2002
Hi,
God, that's so good to hear. You freaked me out there for a moment there. Waiting for a letter back was more agonizing than waiting in line to see Fight Club. Have you been turning a blind eye when he has his hand in the cookie jar lately?
And hey, no sweat. I wasn't lying or anything. You are the kid's mom.
You don't have any friends to talk to? Any other moms at daycare or a senator or something? Not that I'm complaining or anything. I just imagine a lady like you would have been the popular girl at my high schools.
Tell Henry I say he's a trooper.
Emma
October 10 2002
Emma,
I'm sending this early in the hopes that it reaches you at the appropriate time. Happy birthday, Emma. I remember you saying you enjoyed watching the movie, but I found the book and thought you might enjoy reading it. Perhaps I'll watch Fight Club myself and see the differences. Henry picked out the sunflower seeds and energy bars again. He insisted on Dill flavour, most definitely because the packaging is green, but I added an extra package of your favourite.