did for a living. I wanted to tell you she was a social worker or a high school mathematics
teacher or even a waitress, something mundane butadmirable. Instead, I told you she was
unemployed and that was not a lie - there was justan omission of the context in which she was
unemployed. I can’t say I am sorry for not tellingyou the full truth, but I am truly sorry that it
hurt you.
San Diego has the most palm trees I’ve ever seenin my life. We stopped by the beach this
afternoon so mom could see the ocean. We didn’t havebathing suits so we kicked the little
waves of the tide, holding our sandals. Then, my momwaded out farther. She didn’t even care
that her skirt was getting wet. All of a sudden shedove under and I panicked for a second
because what if I lose her again? She couldn’t evenbe at my high school graduation. But when
she popped her head out of the waves again she waslaughing - eye crinkling, full-belly laughter.
Her wet hair was clinging to her scalp and her makeupwas running. If this were fifteen years
ago, she would never ever allow herself to look anythingless than mature and professional in
public. But I like this mom that I have now. And Ithink she’ll be okay. I hope you are.
I’ve been telling her about you. She likes you andhas never even met you. That’s the
kind of person you are.
16 September 1969 McCloud Hotel, 408 Main St, McCloud,CA 96057
Kate. When I took the internship at Columbia I justexpected to get some experience in
the industry and work on the side and save up money.It was simple and professional and leaving
at the end of the six months would be easy. It wassheer luck that it was Syd’s that I ducked into
that night to get out of the rain. March rain in thecity is surprisingly cold. I must have looked
like a drowned rat because when I sat down at thebar you immediately brought me whiskey. I