Never ever doubt my enduring love for you Liz

Liz: I cannot believe it has been fifty years since I gave birth to you. You came into this world and filled my life with love and joy. You used to melt my heart with that special smile. You were smart, loving and bright. You were everything a mother could ask for. Not only are we mother and daughter but we are best friends also. I remember when you were in England and returned to Jamaica for that brief period before coming to the U.S. your father used to be baffled by our relationship because we used to telephone each other every day and if you were having a bad day I could always tell because I could feel it. When you came to the U.S. it was then I realized that we could even read each other's thoughts. I remember I would go into a bookstore and if I saw a book I wanted to buy I had better call you first because you would inform me that you had also bought the same book.

Even during the "terrible teen" years you were a good child. You never gave me one gray hair (probably one or two) but I never had to worry about you. You used to visit your friends a lot but would always inform me of your whereabouts. I need to say a special thank you for that. I could go to bed and sleep peacefully.

Enjoy yourself in South Africa -- have a blast for your birthday. You work hard and sometimes it is acceptable to play hard too. Sorry I could not be with you on this trip but if our lives are spared I am sure we will spend many more birthdays together. Never forget how much you mean to me and never, ever doubt my enduring love for you.

All my love.

Mummy.