Mother, on this day, the first thing I want to say is that I love you for bringing me into this world and for giving me life. In my earlier years, you changed my diapers, fed me, protected me, clothed me, and tried to teach me what life was all about. I remember when I attended first grade back in our country, El Salvador, the teachers moved me to second grade, because I already knew how to read and write. You had taken the time to teach me. You wanted me to be prepared ahead of time.
When we came to the United States, and middle school officials wanted to expel me for the year, you stood your ground and bravely told them it wasn’t going to happen, because you would complain to the District Education Superintendent and fight about it. The school eventually let me stay despite my continued truancy.
When I first got in trouble with the law, you were mad at me for two months, then came to see me in jail and said, “You’ll always be my son, through thick and thin”. You’ve always been there for me through my rebelliousness and stubbornness. When I was taken away for 40 years by the federal government for selling weed, you took in my ex-wife and sons, and supported them (working two jobs for two straight years) until my ex-wife earned her medical degree and was able to move on on her own..
For the past 28 years of my incarceration, you have cried, missing me. You have continuously prayed for me to come home. You have always told me my bedroom at your house is still intact and waiting for me.
Maria, on this special day, I want to thank you. You are a rock. You are the essence of what motherhood is. You love your son in the most amazing way. I pray you are still alive when I get out in six years. I want to demonstrate to you how grateful I am for the devoted sacrifices you made to help your son. You’ll always be my heroine.

Your Son, Edwin