Ernest Hemingway once said that it is the writer’s job to tell the truth. In A Moveable Feast, he describes his process:
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
I am sharing here one of the truest pieces of writing I have ever seen.
The background: When he was small, our younger son often went with my husband to church early on Sunday mornings. The little fellow sat in the church office and busied himself with writing sticky notes that he delivered to me on my arrival.
I saved them – they’re all in the bottom of my jewelry box.
This one is my favorite. As you can see, the note says “I like my mom.”
Not love, mind you . . . .
But this is a two-pager (see the staples?). The sentence continues on Page Two:
“I like my mom – most of the time.”
I ask: Has a truer sentence ever been written?
lit bits and pieces 
Perfectly structured slice–from the initial quote, through the background and to the final twist (second page! No, I hadn’t noticed the staple!). Simply perfect! What unexpected treasures your jewelry box holds!
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Thank you for the feedback on structure – I hope the slice made you smile or even laugh out loud as I did when my little boy first gave me the note. It is indeed one of my great treasures!
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You definitely started my day with a smile!
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🙂
Well, I bet love was hiding inside of that like, and the second page was only a filler
Kevin
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I trust love was lurking in there! I took heart that he liked me “most of the time.” Hope this started your day with a smile. Thank you~
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Another sweet story. What treasure! My four year old has just started writing and I think it’s the best thing. I can’t wait to collect some treasure of my own.
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Oh, the treasures you will receive! I think of Donald Graves in Children Want to Write, how children so enjoy making their own marks in the attempt to express themselves. Graves says: “We wanted to write before we ever wanted to read.” Many times this is lost with all the emphasis on receiving information vs. generating and expressing it, once kids start school. Your little one is blessed to have you there to keep the love of writing alive!
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Yes – such a treasure. I too keep notes from my children. You have prompted me to find them and enjoy them again. They certainly make us smile.
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So glad to know that you’re going to reread your children’s notes – they are priceless indeed, more precious with each passing day. Enjoy!
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Oh, what a sweet message! And spoken like a true kid!
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I laugh to this day over this note and its honesty. People love each other but may not always like each other. I am happy he did “most of the time”!
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Well that IS a sentence that rings with truth! So cute!
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It made my day and still does!
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I love this! It’s so relatable to parents of small children. My favorite thing my almost-three year old has said to me is, “You my friend mama.” Those moments of appreciation offset the times he yells at me, “I no like you mama!” Thanks for giving me an idea for something to slice about later this month!
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They say what they think – the honesty is why I love it, too! Thanks for your response. You’ll so enjoy writing that priceless slice!
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This just made me smile. 😀 What a treasure! My son wrote “mom” for the first time a few weeks ago (he just turned 5) and i don’t think I’ve ever been more proud. I love the stapled pages–sounds like this holds some special memories!
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I hoped others would enjoy this. It’s just too true! How sweet about your son writing “mom” – I bet he’s so proud of that himself. My son doesn’t recall writing this particular note but recognizes his handwriting and cracked up when I showed it to him. Worth more than gold.
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