Dear Friend,

I owe you an apology. Please accept this contrite offering. I am wrong. I have been unloving, selfish, and withdrawn. I reserved truths you are entitled to know and neglected the gratitude I should show. I retreated, hurt you in my escape, and surrounded myself with silence to receive my isolation fix. There is no excuse, and my reasons are inadequate. Though I am undeserving, I ask that you continue to be gracious. I love you dearly and understand your presence in my life is a privilege.

Listen Landa: Daughter to Mother

Wherever I land, no matter how far I may wander; if I come to myself like the prodigal son or remain a wayward woman, let me go. I hear the concern I placed in your voice. I see the gray hairs I undoubtedly caused to spring forth. I feel your longing to do for me what I must now do for myself. Precious Woman, stop worrying. Let go. I can only imagine the resolve you have to muster in order to relinquish guardianship of your child. You invested everything. Body. Prayers. Tears. Love. Hopes. Life. You. You withheld nothing. Though you deserve a return on your investment, let go. I am equipped to stand because of you. I am braced for falls because of you. Whether I succumb or overcome; if I falter or persist, you are absolved. You, Dear Woman, are connected to me, inextricably, but you have to detach from the outcome of my choices. Let go. In love, let go. For me, let go. For your peace, let go. You hosted me in your womb; do not carry me in your conscious.