Letter to a Mentor - Roma Patel

May 11, 2020

By Beth Johnson

A letter (poem) to Mom & Dad

You sat with me in pre-K, while I traced lines and dashes

As I rewrote my ABC’s & 123s over and over again

Pretending to fall asleep whenever I had “homework” from Mom

But being wide awake when I wanted to hear a bedtime story

Laughing at dad’s goofy characters and voices

I learned resilience in education, appreciation for happily ever after’s, and radiance in silly laughter

You walked with me through high school

As I spent more time at school than home on most days

Taking on every possible thing I could—only because I loved it

You reminded me of my values, my focus, and my goals along the way

But nonetheless watched me practice my flute, bought me the best soccer cleats, and applauded my paintings

I learned resilience in busy times, appreciation for tradition, and radiance in my passions

You Facetimed and texted me through college,

As embarrassing selfies and my venting became normal during my time as a Buckeye

Coming home with a dislocated knee, crying about a class, struggling with life

You always gave me a shoulder to cry on, but not for long

With motivating words of “You can do it” and “I’m so proud of you”

You brought me right back up along with family coffee and cereal dates

Graduating todaywith a smile on my face,

a heart overloaded with resilience, appreciation, and radiance

Because YOU taught me that.

Thanks Mom & Dad.

Yours till forever and after,

 Roma