A Mother's Pain

Two mothers who never met were connected by tragedy, murder and death. They gave birth to two different offspring that in one moment would alter both women’s lives. Violet did her best to raise James in a gang infested neighborhood. Lettice was a wild spirit living on the edge and highly misunderstood. Violet worked two jobs while Lettice worked her mouth for a living. Fast talking Lettice gave birth to Cosmo, who supported his mother by drug dealing. “Stay away from the streets” said Violet. “Education will one day be your way out, son.” She didn’t know he would be leaving sooner--the day he encountered Cosmo holding a gun. James refused to go down without a fight, before collapsing from bullet wounds. Soon Cosmo was arrested and later escorted inside a crowded courtroom. In court Violet lashed out, but Lettice quickly lashed back at the distraught lady. “It’s your dead son’s fault,” screamed Lettice. “So don’t blame this on my baby!” Cosmo was sentenced to 20 years as Lettice broke down, consumed by pain and hurt. Violet shook her head and said, “How can she cry like that when mine is in the dirt?” “A mother’s pain times two equals two losses and no wins,” cried Violet. “Losing a child is something I don’t wish on anyone, not even you!” Shoulders slumped, Lettice looked at Violet, gritted her teeth, and screamed, “Is that all?” Two grieving mothers, but while Lettice has 20 years, Violet will have a lifetime of tears to fall. Lettice didn’t care abut Violet’s pain. Her only concern was her child and nothing else. Until she received a call from prison a few months later. “Sorry to inform you, ma’am, but your son hung himself.” With tears in her eyes from hearing what no parent wants to hear, she thought of Violet and dropped the phone. It’s truly a shame when no one cares about another person’s pain until that pain is made their own.