1997 - John's note to his Mother, Erma

In a tribute to Mother’s Day, may we each foster such a caring and loving relationship with our mothers.

"My dear mother,

I have wanted to tell you today how very much I love you. I wanted you to know how much you are respected and appreciated by me. That I know how big your heart is, how much you feel and how much you care.

There are times that I wish I could take you in my arms and hold you in a way that would make you feel loved and cared for - that you would feel safe and warm and really appreciated for the wonderful woman you are.

That you would feel understood and respected for all the things that you do. That you would know that someone else knows how much love you have given of yourself beyond measure - time and time again - not only to Dad and Ralph and Ron and me, but also to our families and to so many others.

John, Erma, Dutch, Ron

I wanted you to know what a blessing you have been in my life, and through me to so many others. I would not be the man that I am, nor would I be able to sing the way that I do, nor would I have written the songs that I've written without the influence and the inspiration that you have been to me.

I want you to know that today there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who join me in saying: ‘God bless the day that you were born.’

Happy Birthday, Mom - and many more. I love you.

Your son, John”