The end is very near, Isaac. Finish the letter leave no unsettled business.
Beethoven’s ninth symphony, first movement, filled the room. What a masterpiece! My Mother was reading in the sofa next to me, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room. I could still feel the embrace my father gave me before he left for work, and felt my spirit lifted by the beauty of all this.
I moved my cheek as the cursor passes the letter ‘y’ to select it. A grey semi translucent box with predicted words appeared at the right side of the screen. Constriction seized me as the cursor automatically scanned through the list. It crushed my chest, deprived me of air. A high pitch alarm rang. I used my remaining strength and suppressed my instinct to twitch until the right word had been highlighted.
You did your best; they will surely read the letter. It is time to rest.
“Isaac! Please breathe, Isaac! Isaac!” Cried my mother.
I tried to look at her, but strength had abandoned me, I couldn’t even smile goodbye at her.
This will be your last regret.
I no longer felt my mother’s grasp, the constriction in my chest, cold in my body, or any other physical connection. I was mistaken about being ready to die, fear rapidly crept upon me. Anger pushed it away, sudden, explosive, anger of the life I was dealt. Life was devastatingly cruel.
“… always remember you Isaac, I love…” said my mother.
Comforting warmth wrapped me after I heard her. I remembered my mother and father for one final time. Joy was the only feeling inside me. It was followed by peace. Life was incredibly beautiful.
From the last letter of Isaac Adamson
February 17th, 2021
Beloved Mother and Father,
Please don’t be sad, we all knew this would happen sooner rather than later, and you made sure that I was able to live my life to the fullest considering my limitations. I am truly grateful for the time we spent together, and considering I managed to be in the rare ten percent of people with ALS who manage to live for more than ten years I feel extremely lucky.
Of course it wasn’t always easy, you know it as well as I do. Many times I couldn’t avoid being resentful of my condition. How could I not be? Gradually losing movement in practically all my body while seeing my friends playing joyfully. Later on reading the news and seeing people squandering and not appreciating their life… and still your loving, patient, and understanding nature always brought me back from my despair. Thinking how the easiest option would be to abandon me…you both are truly amazing!
Stolen novel; please report.
Mother, you quit your job at the hospital just to be my side. You didn’t even have second thoughts about putting aside all the years of study and dedication, and you always answered all of my questions no matter how much I pestered you. Father, you gave up your dream job of teaching at the university to work at a corporation in order to pay for my medical care. Even more so, after you arrived tired from work you still talked with me for at least two hours every day. I should apologize to you both, but I won’t. I loved being with both of you, if I knew it were possible to steal more of your time I probably would have done it! That is because there is nothing better than being with both of you.
These last two years where especially incredible. I was beyond belief when Father arrived with the three virtual reality capsules. Its funny remembering how I laid crying for about an hour after being able to move, even if it was only in VR. It felt so real! Best of all I could finally hug you guys! And travel with you! It was so awesome replicating those stories I constantly read about. But most importantly, the time difference between virtual and real worlds gave me more time with you guys, for that I’m eternally grateful.
I could go on and on about how great it was having you as parents. That is truly the purpose of this letter. To let you know that without a doubt no son has ever felt more loved than I have, and therefore state that my parents are definitely the best in the world! I love you
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Chapter
Main Menu
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------