Well, I didn't expect to REALLY be sending you something - at least not so soon - in the way of writing for possible inclusion in your zine, BUT Princess Diana's death affected me as it did all of us in a very profound way. It's a bit corny, but sometimes things just come out that way... It certainly won't bother me in the slightest if you don't print this, but here's my thoughts on the tragedy:

From One Mama to Another...

Bye, Diana, I'm sure gonna miss you. I didn't really realize it until it was too late, but you're my role model - the ultimate Mama of the world with your sincere devotion to humanity and your ability to love as only a Mama can love. But of all the mamas everywhere, you certainly stood way out in front. For you showed so much love and compassion to so many people young, old, those with AIDS and cancer, amputees, refugees - you're there for them still, I'm sure. And the love for your own was not neglected either. Indeed, your love for your sons was so evident in all you did for them and with them. How I wish I could hold them for you and say, "Go ahead, honey, cry your eyes out, grieve in public if you feel like it, cry out for your mama and don't be afraid." No doubt their Daddy loves them, too, but he's not you. It's your genuineness they now need the most and what they will always remember as they grow up in the very spotlight that killed you.

But no, I can't hug them for you. I can and will, however, take your life's lesson to heart: be kind, be genuine, touch people, love sincerely, be honest, be yourself, help people in every way you can. You were the ultimate Mama role model, the singular voice of a mother's love determined to display it openly with all the world despite the trouble it caused with the in-laws. (I'd secretly say, "You GO, Girl!" whenever I read about it.)

So I guess the only thing I can do is to promise to remind myself to love, touch, care, listen, and help from here on out. Maybe, just maybe, your compassion can be orchestrated up there in Heaven more effectively than the tabloids would permit from down here. After all, it was your beauty, your sex life, and your wardrobe that kept them from focusing on all the good in your heart. But don't think for a moment that the world didn't really know what you were about. Perhaps it's the knowledge that you're not here to teach us any longer that brings us such tremendous grief.

So long, Diana, sweet princess, and thank you.

Cindy Symington