Small Stories: Moth-er

When I worked in the mail room at my school, we sometimes got odd things through the mail slot. Gum wrappers, a frisbee, etc.

A little before Mother's day one spring, I heard the plop of something dropping through the "outgoing" slot and a while later went over to sort whatever had just arrived. Strangely, it was a little white envelope that lacked an address, return, or stamp. All it said, written carefully in marker in the middle of the front, was "Moth er."

Inside was a home-made card, complete with glued construction paper and stickers. "Mother!" it said, "You are the best mother. Happy mother day." Following were a collection of X's and O's.

Some kind little person took the time to hand make a card for their mom. The same little person folded the edges so it would fit into an envelope, sealed it, and walked all the way to the college to put it in the mail slot. Surely, in the same way that letters to Santa are delivered, the postman would know to give the little gift to "Moth er. "

The little person probably waited for Mother to get her card, and wondered why it didn't arrive. I hope they weren't too sad when they realized it wasn't coming.