It’s February and that means Valentines Day is almost here. This is the time for flowers, chocolates and date nights with your significant other. This year I choose a Valentine other than my husband – my daughter. My first born child. The bond with my first born is unlike any other and this year I choose to celebrate my Valentine by writing her a love letter expressing how much she means to me in both the past, present and future.
Dear Newborn,
You’re finally here! You kept me on my toes during my pregnancy. Sickness that lasted a good twelve weeks, acne, and then finally at 31 weeks – preeclampsia – which landed me on bed rest for 7 weeks. So I guess you could say you kept me off my toes too. None of that matters now because you are here and are healthy. There is also no question of how well your lungs work. You are absolutely perfect in every way. I swear from this moment on my focus will be to provide you with the best life possible and always protect you and make you feel loved.
Dear Toddler,
You are starting to worry me. I know that I shouldn’t compare you to other children but I can’t help it. As a mother I don’t think you are speaking enough. I feel like you are repeating too much of what we say to you and not saying enough to us on your own. Everyone is telling me that you’re ok and not to worry, but as your mom, I just know there is something wrong. No matter what the problem is, I promise I will give you all the help I can. You are a fun, energetic, happy little girl and I can’t wait to hear all the things that are going on in your mind. We will get through this together!
Dear 7-Year Old (present day),
I can’t believe I was ever worried about your speech. Today you are 7 years old and you are doing absolutely amazing. You are excelling in all areas of school and play. You are a very busy girl too – gymnastics, soccer, girl scouts – you never seem to stop. I love watching you learn and hearing about your day at school. Your personality is really shining through in everything you do. There are times where I can see an attitude directed at me, daddy and sometimes your little brother, but I’m trying to remind myself that it’s all part of growing up and asserting your independence. I love our mommy/daughter trips to the city to see shows on Broadway and really being able to watch you enjoy all these new things that life has to offer. You are just getting started – just wait to see what you can do in this life!
Dear Teenager,
Oh boy we’ve hit the dreaded teenage years. I know at this point we will probably be butting heads a lot. You will probably not like me very much at times (and I might not like you all the time either). I’m sure you’ll think that I have no idea what I’m talking about and that there is NO WAY I can understand what you’re going through – but I do. Don’t forget that I was a teenage girl at one point too. Even though times have changed and I might not know all that you deal with on a daily basis – I know the emotions. No matter how much we fight or how much you think I won’t understand – please always try. Try to talk to me; make me understand. Nothing you tell me will make me love you any less. If you need help but you’re afraid you’ll get in trouble if you tell me – you won’t. Remember my newborn promise to you – I’m here to protect you regardless of the circumstances. Just remember that I love you – no matter what you say to me – I love you.
Dear Bride-To-Be,
How is it possible that today, you are getting married? You’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. I don’t know if it’s a man or a woman, but I don’t care. If they treat you well and you’re happy, I’m happy. I can guarantee you that no one has looked more beautiful on their wedding day than you. Now starts the time that I am not the person you rely on most. I’m not the first phone call you make if you’re in trouble or if you have exciting news. As sad as that is for me, I’m happy for you. Your life is so exciting now. You’re starting a brand new chapter. You’re starting your own family. Marriage has ups and downs and it may seem like hard work at times, but put in the work. It’s worth it to have someone who has your back and you have theirs. Just remember that I will ALWAYS have your back. I might not be in the same house (or town, or state, or country) but I’m still your mom and I’m here for you no matter what!
Dear Mom-To-Be,
Today you became a mommy. You held your newborn in your arms and kissed the top of their head and only then you realized how it was for me on the day you were born. It’s a combination of absolute love and terror. You’re so overwhelmed with emotion and hormones that you probably don’t know which way is up. I’m sure you’re afraid that you’ll make thousands of mistakes and you will. Throughout the course of your child’s life you will make mistakes – but you know what – it doesn’t matter. Your child will know unconditional love from you and that’s the best gift you can give. I will be there to help you adjust, give you advice (when asked) and of course babysit – because that means I get to give my grandchild back to you at the end of the night!
Dear Daughter,
There will come a time when I’m no longer there with you to give you advice or help you through a problem and I’m sure that will make you sad. It makes me sad to even think about missing any part of your life, but unfortunately death is a part of life. Whenever you get sad about not having me around just know that I love you. Regardless of our arguing during your teenage years or the disagreement of what type of wedding dress to buy or the different ways we chose to raise our children, you are my baby girl, my munchkin. Everything I’ve done in your life was to make you happy. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. You have an amazing life ahead of you and I can’t wait to see where it takes you.
Love Always,
Mommy
