Episode 7: A Dream I Never Knew I Had January 2026 Dear Sophia, You’re just days away from your birth and I still have to finish my broad sketch of how I met your mother, and how our unlikely relationship was itself born. In the last letter, Episode 6: A
Episode 6: An Age-Gap Breakup Email January 2026 Dear Daughter (and Bippity-Bopp), Sometimes I would imagine how the breakup email to your mother would go. Let me read it to you. (Clears throat). My Dearest Boop-De-Doop, Two of the biggest surprises of my life were meeting you and learning
How I Met Your Mother: Episode 5: Paralyzed January 2026 My dear daughter, In May of 2023, your mother moved in with me. She didn’t feel challenged in her job, in New Jersey, and we didn’t see any point in living so far apart when we knew we wanted to
Episode 4: A Look on Lookout Mountain January 2026 My dear daughter, Dinner after the wedding was outside, on a patio, under a white tent. As evening descended the lights of Chattanooga were sprinkled across the valley below. The bride, Erica, and the groom, Cole, walked around and said hello.
Episode 3: An Intriguing Date in Philadelphia January 2026 My beloved daughter, A few months before we attended the wedding of your mother’s best friend, on Christmas Day of 2022, I had reported in my journal: I’m thinking to go to Philly and pursue this folly that is Leah, [age],
Episode 2: Meeting Your Mother Online – and a Wedding January 2026 My dearest daughter, As we wait for the dancing and memorable conversation your mother and I had at the wedding (see Episode 1 – Nature Did Not Equip Man to Swipe Left on That), let me explain what
The Prequel to “Letters to a Little Girl”: Ordinary Magic
“Letters to a Little Girl” tells the story of a man and his wife ushering a new life into the world and creating a legacy for her. Before that, there was Ordinary Magic, which tells the story of how Cameron accompanied his mother at the end of her life, and helped her with her story — and his own.
Cameron Powell has always struggled with goodbyes. On the day his marriage ends, he finds out his mother’s cancer has returned-and this time there may be no escape. Faced with the prospect of more chemo and surgery, his German-born mother, Inge, vows to conquer a 500-mile trek across Spain, and Cameron pushes aside his fears to walk by her side.
Joined by a misfit band of adventurers – a politically incorrect Spaniard, a theatrical Frenchwoman, a teenager who’s never been far from home – Cameron and Inge write a fierce and funny travelogue about the rocky heights and hidden valleys of the Camino de Santiago.
Part quest, part travelogue, part history, part biography, part long good-bye to his much-loved mother, captured my heart with its wit, honesty, and tenderheartedness.
–Amazon reviewer
This kind of honesty, as well as Powell’s stylish writing and wicked sense of humor, save Ordinary Magic from becoming maudlin, although it is often moving.
–Amazon reviewer
Powell carries a laptop in his backpack — “He’d forget his mother before he’d forget his computer,” Inge remarks to a companion — so that he can record events and impressions as they happen, which gives the narration an appealing immediacy.
–Amazon reviewer
Powell makes the conscious effort to record [his mother’s last] words, and the result is an unsparing, but touching and intimate portrait of a beloved mother’s last days. The scenes are often harrowing, but worth reading for the glimpses of a mother-son relationship that actually grows in love and forgiveness as Inge grows weaker.
–Amazon reviewer
This love story is indeed magical but there is little, if anything, ordinary about it! In fact, one might say the entire novel is an extraordinary love letter from Cameron Powell to his mother, Inge, who is dying of cancer.
–Amazon reviewer
Cameron never seems to lose his sense of high hilarity regardless of the barrier he may encounter, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. There are a lot of tears shed on the trip, some born from deep emotional pain, others from sheer joy. Everyone should be so fortunate as to have a “Julio” come into his or her life, even for a short while.
–Amazon reviewer
This is a [story] of what it’s like to experience unconditional love, even through the hardest, meanest of times. It is an experience that anyone who has lost someone, especially through the ravages of cancer, can learn from and relate to.
–Amazon reviewer
I very rarely review purchases, but feel that this book deserves a review, a hug, a standing ovation, and thanks for this rare display of humanity and humility.
–Amazon reviewer
Cameron’s wavering ability to prepare himself emotionally for her departure brought me to tears.
–Amazon reviewer
His love for her, his respect, astute care, loving touch and warmth toward his mom in every stage of her illness is a reflection of an outstanding gentleman, a loving son, a man unfettered by societal norms and stereotypes, guided by his graciousness and love. One could only hope to experience a relationship so empathetic, loving and respectful once in a lifetime.
–Amazon reviewer
Beautifully written and deeply introspective, this book blends gentle humor with deep respect and love. The vivid storytelling makes you feel fully immersed, while its emotional depth leaves a lasting impact. Heart-wrenching yet beautiful, it’s a compassionate read that may require tissues before you begin.
–Amazon reviewer
Meeting Inge, if only through the writing of his son, was special. This woman who had tolerated an abusive father and an abandoning husband still had so much music and dance in her soul. Such a spirit! Such a lovely spirit!!!
–Amazon reviewer
