Jasmine Ward
listen
jasmine’s mom, gina, died from a brain tumor
Mom,
Remember when we used to write each other letters while I was in boot camp? I don’t know if I ever told you, but they were my lifeline. Each letter revived my soul. I had no idea that your letters would someday be my most prized possessions.
There’s a lot I’ve learned from you since you’ve passed. You’re still mother-ing me from the heavens, teaching me lessons, and giving me gifts at exactly the time I need them. I used to feel lonely at the thought of never getting to call on you for advice or even to just ask unimportant questions like, how do I know when the chocolate’s ready in grandma’s fudge drop recipe? How long should I bake chicken? What kind of gardening soil do you recommend?
And while I have to figure out the answers to those questions myself, you always answer the more important ones.
Thank you for still being here when I need you. From bad car accidents, heartbreak, existential crises, your love and support never waivers. It transcends time and space. I see and appreciate the beauty you’ve orchestrated in my life.
You did not die in vain. My soul has a purpose because of you. My life is rich in texture and color because of you. I’m dynamic and beautifully layered because of you. My humor is smart because of you. My outlook on life is sharp because of you. I’m gracefully scrappy because of you. I can love because of you. I’m free because of you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I want you to know that today, as I’m writing this, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. And I’ll be even happier tomorrow. My cup is full. And I know that’s all you ever wanted for me. So, rest easy in knowing that.
I’ll see you over the rainbow!
Your baby girl,
Jasmine
In Jasmine’s words, “I'm a SoCal native and USAF Veteran. By day, I'm leasing cute properties in Los Feliz for a woman led boutique agency, The Rental Girl (www.therentalgirl.com), and by night I'm a writing novels! I live in L.A. with my temperamental and finnicky puppy....he takes after his mama ;) ”