"Yeah, I grew up to be a philosopher, I know. It's not your fault; I remember how you used to say 'God knows I've tried.'

God knows you did, Mommy."

But one young mother took it as divine
That I should come to her and she was mine

She held me as her destiny her chance
She cried "His name is +Steven Curtis Lance!"



"First star on the right and straight ahead till morning."

Mommy, I'm havin' an H-E-double-Q of a time down here, as Grandpa used to say. I know he's up there with you. God, I wish I were!

Yeah, I did meet a nice girl.

But I swear I never dreamed life could be so complicated. I'm 'bout sick of it.

"Had enough?" Yes ma'am I have.

I love you and I miss you. I know what you would say: "Be goo' boy." That used to embarrass me so much, but I would give what little I have left just to hear you say it again right now.

Remember when you used to drop me off at Cambridge Elementary School in your '59 Rambler American, baby blue? You quoted President Kennedy, from the inaugural address (remember Robert Frost was there that day, too?): "Pursue with vigor."

I've been pursuing with vigor all these long and weary years, and the sons of bitches are right behind me, pursuing me as I pursue.

But they'll never catch me. You know that, 'cause you know the kind of boy you raised.

God bless and keep you in the palm of his hand. You're the dearest, finest mother anybody ever had.

How I wish you were here with me tonight. I have never felt so alone in this whole absurd life. I guess you know I'm fifty years old now?

My God...

Well, I just wanted to say hello, and to tell you--right in front of all these fine people here--that you are my hero.

I wish you'd come here and haunt this old cold haunted house. There's nobody here but sad and scary types...

Yeah, I grew up to be a philosopher, I know. It's not your fault; I remember how you used to say "God knows I've tried."

God knows you did, Mommy.

I'll see you in the morning, at home.

Patricia Lance was born on 24 January 1934 and was called away to glory on 23 November 1998. She was the best friend this fool ever had. 

  

"Aristotle says that in order to live alone, a man must be either an animal or a god. The third alternative is lacking: a man must be both - a philosopher." - Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German Philosopher, Poet