Dear children,
Now that you are teenagers and can lock me out of my own smartphone and connect the smart TV to the stupid remote, I would like to remind you that I know stuff too.
Lots of stuff. So much stuff.
In fact, I have amassed profound wisdom after years of education, several careers, the challenges of motherhood and don’t even get me started on marriage to your father. So, your gift to me this Mother’s Day is simple: read this column all the way through (that’s right, I said read – don’t roll your eyes at me).
The moment you arrived in my life, everything in my world changed. It was like the world went from black and white to technicolour (Google it). So much love. My heart expanded to a capacity I didn’t even dream possible (later, I will horrify you with other earth shattering expansions your birth caused, but I’m saving that story until you bring home your first date).
But it’s terrifying to love something as much as I love both of you. Know that. It might help you understand me better, especially when I am irrational (which so rarely happens).
But as you’ve grown, so have I, (keep those remarks to yourself). I used to be anxious at the thought of you growing up, but the rational me knows that I didn’t have you to hold on to you forever. Little by little, I let you go, but I leave the light on. I am in awe of you. Just be your incredible self. Don’t make me proud; make yourself proud.
Fight the good fight, but do it without weapons. Arm yourself with integrity. Don’t be a character; have some. Make big mistakes and learn bigger lessons. Know yourself so you respect your boundaries. Fail. Be humbled. Lose. Accept it. Be gentle with yourself first, so you can be kind to others too. Use good manners. Seriously. People will thank you.
Shake it up; friendships, careers, dreams, goals. Change your mind. Change your ways. Change your password. Don’t keep up, step up. Work hard for what you want and even harder for what you need. Take responsibility instead of credit. Expect nothing. Earn everything. Give what you can.
Learn the grace of forgiveness early, so your journey has less baggage. Take good care of your body, that thing is a miracle (you are living proof). Love yourself so you only attract those worthy of loving you. But know this: a broken heart isn’t damaged, it’s just broken open to let true love in. Let true love in (don’t make that face).
You’ll never out do my crazy, so don’t be afraid to share yours with me. Trust me to always have your back. Ask for help. Don’t listen; hear. Don’t fear; understand. You won’t have all the answers. Trust no one who says they do. Search. Explore. Experience. Learn.
Now, go clean your room, please. I don’t fold your laundry so you can make floor art, okay?
Love you. Always.