10/11/2023 — Dear Mom,

A series of letters to my dead mother on the first anniversary of her passing.

A year ago today — at 10:53 a.m. — the call came in from Dad.

“I can’t wake your mother up.”

I jumped in my car and sped the 3 blocks down the road. I rushed in. I found you in your bed, snoring but gasping. I lifted you up and gently shook you.

“Come on, wake up, Mom. It’s not time yet.”