On the bright side, Henry couldn't stop saying my name. Small victories, I suppose. However, with his new teeth he's become a biter. His favourite chew toy: my finger.

Take care,

Regina


May 31 2002

Hi,

I'm sorry I'm taking so long to answer your letters. I'm doing okay. It's just the days are pretty exhausting.

I found out some news the other day. I'm getting deployed to the Middle East next March or so. I'm pretty sure it's happening. I'll be there for a year. Hopefully less than that.

But you could still write. If you wanted. I mean you're not like obligated to keep writing now I just mean that you could still contact me.

And don't worry about the election. Your people love you, remember? I'd vote for you.

Emma


June 7 2002

Emma,

There's no need to apologize for that. How are you handling that news? I understand that it's expected, but it can be surreal, I suppose.

Of course I'll still write to you, Emma.

I will let you know if Mayor can be dropped from my title.

Regina


June 12 2002

Hi,

It is, I guess. But it's what I've been training for, right? Learn to fight the bad guys and protect the country. After everything that's happened though, it sounds like a full out war.

I'll be okay though. My troop is one of the best, so we'll be home before you know it. And when I get back, I'll be on leave for a bit. August is already talking about visiting Thailand. He said he's got some friends there. I might tag along.

And it doesn't matter your title. You'll always be Regina to me.

Emma


August 4 2002

Emma,

Henry's sick. The doctor believes it to be a severe case of the stomach flu, but I've never seen him come down with something quite like this. I don't know what to do. He hasn't had much of an appetite, and all he wants to do is cuddle and sleep, and that's only when he isn't relieving his stomach. He's pale, and he's burning up, but he keeps complaining about being cold, and there's only so much I can do to help alleviate the pain for him. He's finally settled down to sleep now, but he's still not well.

The doctor suggests locating his birth parents to see if perhaps there's underlying illnesses he may have inherited, but it was a closed adoption, and that could take weeks to bypass.

I don't know what else I can do for him. He's so small, and he's so sad, and watching him upset makes me feel so helpless. He's all I have. I can't lose him.

What if it was me? What if I wasn't giving him a proper diet or I did something to hinder his development? What if he needs a blood transfusion and I can't give it to him because I'm not his real mother?

I can hear him fussing. I hope you're doing well.


August 10 2002

Hey, it's gonna be okay, Regina. You got a tough little soldier on your hands, and  if god forbid it's anything worse than a stomach virus, he's going to pull through.

You raised him to be like that. To be the best little kid out there, and you raised him and gave him a home, and love, and food, and more love. You're his mother, Regina. You don't need DNA to prove that.

Please keep me updated on him. And Regina? You're not alone in this. You're an amazing mom, and I know you're scared, but when he's crying and sick, he's calling out for you. Don't forget that.

Emma


August 19 2002

Emma,

Henry's better now. He caught a couple overlapping viruses that was too much to handle at once, but he's been better for a few days now. He's back to hiding under tables and sneaking sweets.

Thank you - for listening, so to speak. I lost my head for a moment there. Who knew being a mother came with near panic-attacks on the regular? It's instances like these that make me want to protect Henry from anything that hurts him, but then I remember how my mother did something similar and it didn't quite work out.

But I appreciate you being there and offering advice. I wasn't sure who to turn to. The doctors weren't providing much of an answer.

Take care,

Regina


August 31 2002

Hi,

God, that's so good to hear. You freaked me out there for a moment there. Waiting for a letter back was more agonizing than waiting in line to see Fight Club. Have you been turning a blind eye when he has his hand in the cookie jar lately?

And hey, no sweat. I wasn't lying or anything. You are the kid's mom.

You don't have any friends to talk to? Any other moms at daycare or a senator or something? Not that I'm complaining or anything. I just imagine a lady like you would have been the popular girl at my high schools.

Tell Henry I say he's a trooper.

Emma


October 10 2002

Emma,

I'm sending this early in the hopes that it reaches you at the appropriate time. Happy birthday, Emma. I remember you saying you enjoyed watching the movie, but I found the book and thought you might enjoy reading it. Perhaps I'll watch Fight Club myself and see the differences. Henry picked out the sunflower seeds and energy bars again. He insisted on Dill flavour, most definitely because the packaging is green, but I added an extra package of your favourite.

He also included a storybook. I finally took him to the stables - a local farm actually. He thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought he would be frightened of the animals, but as soon as I set him down, he was attempting to capture the loose chickens. He's drawn you all the animals we saw and refused my help with the drawing. His exact words: "Henny do it." I fear for my sanity during his teenage years.

Despite your detailed instructions, I did not attempt to change my car's tire. Yes, yes, you can say I didn't try, but who owns a car jack? No, I would much rather leave that to the professionals.

I did, however, end up converting the spare bedroom into a playroom for Henry. You're right. There is something therapeutic about painting. You'll be happy to note that I did indeed wind up with paint on my hands and face, though. I'm not as perfect as you assume. How that paint landed on me when I was careful and precise I'll never know.

I hope you enjoy your birthday, Emma.

Regina


December 26 2002

Hi Regina,

I was going through our old letters, and did you realize my handwriting got progressively better? The plus side of snail mail, huh?

Thank you, again, for the package. It means a lot to me that you've sent something two Christmases in a row. That's crazy, isn't it? We've been at this for a year. It's nice.

We had a pretty good feast here. August and Neal started up this giant Christmas carol sing along in mess hall, and we all got to relax for the day. It was back to training today though, and I'm really regretting that second helping of stuffing.

Speaking of food, I have to try this famous lasagna and apple turnover I keep hearing about. You cannot mention it multiple times in letters and expect me not to want it. I'm even at the point where I will accept it through mail.

That gala sounds like a good time. Look at Storybrooke's finest celebrating the holidays together. I don't know how you do that all day long - mix and mingle. That's clearly the reason why you're the mayor and I am not.

Thanks again, Regina. And have a safe holidays.

Emma


January 19 2003

Emma,

I've discovered why Henry was feeling ill. We've caught the chicken pox, and yes, I mean we. I never had it as a child; my mother was strict and preferred me in her care rather than daycare, and now I see why. The doctors assure me it is not shingles, and judging from my Internet search of those symptoms I'm praying to god that it's not. Even now I'm writing with my gloves on because if Henry isn't allowed to scratch then neither am I. He caught me one day. If you haven't been scolded by a 21-month old then I advise you to keep it that way.

How are you, Emma? You sounded despondent in your last letter. I know you'll be deployed soon, but you are a very good soldier. Remember your shooting scores ranked the highest, and you've been training during your downtime. You are ready for this. And you will come home. I know you will.

I'm proud of you, Emma. Only a handful of people are doing what you do, and though it can be terrifying, what you do matters.

Promise me you'll be safe, though. Perhaps I will reveal my secret turnover recipe at your homecoming.

Take care,

Regina


January 28 2003

Hi,

Thank you. For that pep talk there. I really needed that. The reality of the situation is just kind of catching up on me. I can't really say much about my deployment. There's been more and more talk about it, but you know how people can get.