1928
Dear God
First i want to say that i’m sorry. For being mad at you for the last five years and not writing to you or going to church. But i think that i have every right to do so. Because you lie to me about my Papa. Although i understand why but if i could turn back time i would still do it. I would stop my Papa from going to war in the first place.
Do i have your forgiveness?
The curtain moved. So I’ll take that as a yes. Thank you.
Second i want to explain why i decided to write to you again and why now.
It’s my Momma.
She had something called typhoid according to the doctor. It’s been going on for a while now and she’s getting weaker and weaker. All those medicines are not working at all. I even went to the big town and ask for other doctors but it’s still not working. The doctors said she might not survive this winter.
I don’t know what to do now.
And Momma told me to talk to you.
I said, Why? God didn’t help me with Papa, how can i trust God on helping me with Momma?
She said, We don’t ask God for help, we ask God for strength. So we can be strong enough to face the world and its challenge.
So here i am. Asking for strength.
I’m not sure how that’s going to work but i am here as pious as i could ever be.
Please give me the strength i need and please give Momma more time. She is the most faithful person i know. She taught the children bible verses and helped the homeless. She is a good person.
And if you have to take someone. Take me instead. I am begging you. I’ll do anything.
Sincerely
Serena Joy
Dear God
I’m seventeen years old today. My Momma’s thirty-five.
I all want for my birthday is for my Momma to get better.
Please, can you hear me?
Merry Christmas.
Serena Joy
Dear God
Happy New Year.
The snow finally came. It’s already later for about a month.
Momma don’t like winter. She said when the snow fall the street look like pilled chicken to her. And she’s scared of chickens. That’s why we have pies at Thanksgiving. My Momma made the best pie in town. In the country if you ask me. She tired to teach me how to make pies but i always ended up covering in flours and egg liquid.
I like winter. It’s quiet and soothing. Making fire is hard but i was a fast learner. My Papa’s gifted at making fires and hunting in the wild. So when he said he was going to war we thought he was going to make it. But he got sent to the sea shore. He never learned how to swim. I guess that’s why he didn’t come home.
He should’ve, Sarah’s Papa told me. He and my Papa was in the same unit.
The war was already over at the time and we were heading home, Sarah’s Papa got a deep voice, But we were ambushed and he was trying to save a little boy who’s about your age.
And he got shot in the chest, there was nothing we could do. Sarah’s Papa turned around an looked at me, I am sorry young lady.
That’s my Papa, was all i said.
Anyway, i better go and stay with Momma now, it’s almost midnight.
Serena