I am so thankful to have her as my mom, and I would give anything to be with her again.
My mom’s name is Jerlene, or “Jerri.” She grew up in South Carolina during a time when opportunities to fulfill dreams and goals were scarce. Her education as a child was interrupted because segregation in the South led to her school being closed. Later in life, she completed her education and eventually earned her LVN license. She gave so much to others while continuing to be the loving, caring mother she has always been to us. She sacrificed greatly and was a tremendous encouragement to my dad while he fought in the Vietnam War, helping him transition back to civilian life after serving 22 years in the Marines. When my older brother fought in the Gulf War, it took a toll on her, but she held the whole family together through it.
She has been my biggest supporter throughout my incarceration. She is retired now, and at the age of 78, she is currently facing the greatest challenge of her life: fighting breast cancer.
In 2024, I received a visit from her. I hadn’t had a visit since 2019, the COVID outbreak and economic hardships made visits much harder than before. As my mom and brother sat at the table, I could tell from the look on her face that they had something important to tell me. When she told me she had breast cancer, it felt like a punch in the gut. It was the worst feeling I had ever experienced. I started crying uncontrollably, not caring who saw me. It felt unreal. My mom is my superwoman.
Looking back, I realize that no matter how tired she was or what emotional, physical, or spiritual struggles she was going through, my mother always sacrificed her own well-being to support us. She didn’t want to tell me about her diagnosis over the phone. Instead, she and my brother drove from San Diego to Chowchilla, California, just to break the news to me in person, even though she wasn’t feeling well. Today, my mom has completed her second round of chemotherapy and is doing a little better. I feel a lot of guilt because I’m not out there with her, able to take care of her. I call her as much as I can, offering encouragement and trying to make her laugh. I don’t get visits anymore because of financial difficulties, but I cherish our phone calls , I want to remember her voice forever.
I told her the other day, “I wish moms never grew old.” I am so thankful to have her as my mom, and I would give anything to be with her again. I pray every day for her health and well-being.
Love you, Mom.
