Mother's Day, 2009

Dear Mom:

It's hard to believe that I've lived here in Chicago since graduating from IU years ago. I still remember how in my twenties, I'd move from apartment to apartment--living with a gaggle of girls--virtually every year. You and dad were always so fantastic and patient each time I made the next move. You helped with the unpacking, the organizing, and the much-needed cleaning! I hope you knew how truly grateful I always was for your support...it certainly could not have been much 'fun' to help with that task, year after year.

Today, I am settled in my condo in Old Town. Every day I feel so proud to live in this great City. It's beauty has exponentially expanded since you were alive, as if that could even be possible! Even more important, the City offers culture to it's community like never before. In the summer, I can --and often do!--take advantage of cool events and happenings every single night of the week.

No matter what my spirits in any given moment, the two Chicago scenes that are guaranteed to bring me joy are 1. driving on LSD from the south at dusk or in the evening--preferably listening to quality jazz, and 2. biking down the lakefront to the Museum of Science and Industry, especially on a quiet weekday afternoon when it's just me, the water, and the prairie grasses.

Love, Anne