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The Nevada Youth Training Center  (NYTC) is in Elko, Nevada.  It is a State run training center for boys 12 or so to 18 years of age who the courts have determined could use some extra training in life skills and schooling.  It is a good program.   In one of the dorms there is this rustic wooden box, with leather hinges, where the boys put their letters in to be mailed. 

 

My Loving Mom

 

I wish I had a Mom

Like the other boys do.

One I could write and

Pour my heart out to.

 

Someone who would love me

No matter what I’ve done.

Bet I wouldn’t be in this mess

She’d helped me be a better son.

 

She died of AIDS

When I was only seven.

I want to believe

That she’s now with God in Heaven.

 

At night when I’m scared

And no one seems to care

I believe she’s smiling down

When I say my prayer.

 

When the other boys

Drop Mom’s letter

In the wooden box -

It seems to make them feel better.

 

Maybe I’ll just write down my thoughts

and drop them in the box with love

I’ll address the letter to: “My Loving Mom”

In care of Heaven above.

 

                       -    Tom Nokes, 4/18/03

                                                                 Elko, Nevada

 

 

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© 2003 - Elko Rose Garden Association