The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Dear Mr. Garrett,
I was an accident of birth, but my parents love me as much as if I was anticipated and planned. That is so sweet of them.
I was the last of the litter, so-to-speak.
My parents started out having children when they were young. Mom was 17 and Dad was 18. They have a family of three children. The oldest is my big brother and looks and acts so much like Dad it is amazing. My sister looks so much like Mom they could be sisters. I possess part of each of my parents’ looks and how they act. I think I got the best deal of all of the kids.
I was what some people refer to as an “oops.” Mom told me she thought she was all through having children and then I came along to brighten her life. Mom is 61. She says she sees so much in me that is her at the same age. A difference, though, is I didn’t get married at 17.
Mom said when she walked into a Parent Teacher Association meeting for Benicia High School a friend asked if she was pregnant again. Mom said she was happy to say she was.
I mean this politely; Mom is healthy as a horse and always has been from what I know. She said pregnancy with me was easy. She said I popped out as if I couldn’t wait to be born.
Looking back I think Mom was more active than most of the mothers of children my age including those with their first child. It wasn’t just that she had the experience of all those years before bringing up my siblings. She just has a knack for being a mom.
Before I came along I’m sure Mom and Dad were preparing for a more relaxed time. Then the love they have shared resulted in me being born. I’m thankful for the love they share between themselves and the love they share with each of their children.
Lisa

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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