The Last Letter – A Mother’s Message

The rain tapped gently against the window as Sarfraz Haam sat alone in his room, staring at the brown envelope in his hands. It had no return address—only his name, written in soft, familiar handwriting that made his heart sink.

He already knew who it was from.

His mother had passed away a week ago, after a long and quiet illness. She never told anyone how much pain she was in. She smiled until the end, just like she always did—strong for others, even while she was breaking inside.

Sarfraz slowly opened the envelope. A folded letter, slightly yellowed and smelling faintly of jasmine—her favorite scent—fell into his lap. His eyes began to water before he read a single word.

He unfolded the paper.

“My Dearest Sarfraz,”

“If you are reading this, it means I am no longer by your side. But don’t cry, my son. I am still with you—in every memory, in every prayer, and in every heartbeat that reminds you of me.”

“I want to tell you something I never said enough while I was alive: I am proud of you.”

“You see, life was never easy for me. I was just a simple woman from a small village, with big dreams that the world laughed at. I gave up many of those dreams—not because I was weak, but because I found a bigger dream: you.”

“I remember your first steps, your first words, your first school day. Every night I stayed up when you had a fever, every morning I cooked while you slept peacefully. I never complained, because my love for you made every sacrifice feel like a blessing.”

“Today, I want to pass on to you the things that truly matter.”

Be kind, even when the world isn’t.

Be strong, but not so strong that you forget to feel.

Forgive, not for others—but for your own peace.

Pray, not only in difficulty, but in gratitude.

Respect women, especially the ones who raise the world in silence.

Never be ashamed of tears, they show your heart is alive.

“Remember where you come from, my child. We may not have had wealth, but we had values—and that is a richer gift than money.”

“Don’t chase success so fast that you lose yourself along the way. Slow down. Enjoy the breeze, taste your tea, hug your loved ones a little longer.”

“One day, you’ll be a father. I hope you’ll understand then how deep a mother’s love runs. I hope you’ll tell your children stories about me—not because I was perfect, but because I loved you perfectly.”

“And when life gets hard—and it will—close your eyes and remember my voice saying: ‘Sarfraz, my brave boy, you can do this.’ Because you can.”

The letter ended with three simple words:

“Always with you.”

–Ammi

Sarfraz sat still for a long time. The paper trembled in his fingers as tears rolled down his cheeks—hot, heavy, cleansing. He felt as if her voice had reached him from beyond the sky, wrapping him in the warmth he had missed so much.

He folded the letter back carefully and placed it near his heart.

That night, for the first time since she passed, Sarfraz didn’t feel alone. The world was still hard. But now, he had her words—a compass to guide him, a letter for life.

The next morning, Sarfraz woke up with a new sense of clarity. He looked out the window and saw the world differently—not colder, but quieter, almost peaceful. He made tea the way his mother used to, letting the aroma fill the house like her presence. Then he sat at the small wooden desk and began writing in a new notebook. At the top, he wrote: “Letters to Ammi.” He didn’t want her voice to fade. Through his words, he would keep her alive. It was no longer just grief—it was love transformed into purpose. And that, he realized, was healing