Written by Alison Lee
Dear Children,
It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) – I will always love you.
Even on days when I’m not my best self, when I’m not the best Mama, I do love you. Know that.
Even on the days when moods are bad, and things don’t go anyone’s way, I do love you. Remember that.
Especially on the days when I seem to shy away from your hugs and cuddles, sometimes, Mama just needs the space. The space to just be. The space to breathe. The space to remember that I am my own self. The space to realize that I am more than just a mother. I do love you. Maybe more than ever.
Even when I raise my voice and wish I hadn’t. Even on days when I say ‘no’ more than I say ‘yes’. Even on days when I frown more than I smile. I do love you.
Even when I have little energy to play, or read you a book, know that I do want to, but the body can only do so much in the hours that we are given. I do love you.
Especially on the days when I have to focus on one or the other a little more, because sometimes, your brother needs me more. Please know, I do love you too.
Even on days when it seems that you’ve become a child monster, when nothing makes you happy, when the smallest thing irks you, I do love you.
Even on days when nothing I serve you on a plate is good enough to eat but good enough to play with, I love you very much.
Especially on days when you turn the house upside down, spill food and juice everywhere, push each other around, and refuse to go to bed at night, yes, I love you to the moon and back.
On days when it’s kisses and smiles and sticky heads and sweaty heads, I love you, with love bigger than the Universe.
And on days when I remember to be present, truly appreciate the blessings that you are to me, I love you, with love wider than the oceans combined.
Especially on days when I look into your eyes, and I thank you for allowing me to be your mother, imperfect as I am, your love so unconditional, know that I love you, forever and always.
About the Author: Alison Lee is a former PR and marketing professional turned work-at-home mother. After a 10-year career in various PR agencies, and of the world’s biggest sports brands, Alison traded in product launches and world travel, for sippy cups, diapers, and breastfeeding. Alison shares stories of motherhood on her blog, Writing, Wishing, was a regular blogger at Everyday Family, and her writing has been featured on Mamalode and Huffington Post. You can find Alison on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest.
Absolutely beautiful and truly couldn’t have said it better myself, Alison! 😉
Oh Alison, it’s really all they need. Love this so much. LOVE seeing you here too!
So thrilled!
That was so true, thank you
Thank you so much, Tracy!
Thank you, Carissa.
Knowing it matters, so much. Hearing it? Reading your words? Will sustain them. What a wonderful digital footprint to leave for them!
Beautiful – just love this! Many nights after the kids are sleeping I sit down and the “hard” moments of the day’s parenting moments rise to the surface causing me to feel guilt over not being a more patient mom. I think the most important thing moms can do when that happens is to make sure we allow time to focus on good things we do and not let the regret thoughts take over.
It’s so important for the kids to hear this and for the moms to say it – because some days it’s all that will keep you going. Love this, Alison!
Oh man, I needed this today!
I loved her letter!! 😉
LOVE!
Every child should be handed a copy of this as soon as they learn to read!!
Oh, perfection. (For kids to know and for me to read, especially today.)
Oh Alison… THIS is just BEAUTIFUL. Every mom can relate to all of what is in this precious letter.
Gorgeous. You speak my heart in so many ways.
So lovely.
Just beautiful, Alison. Your tuggin’ on my mama heart with this one!
This is beautiful, Alison. Words that every child needs to hear, and often.
love.
Love.
LOVE.
…unconditional love will last forever.
xxx KISS
🙂
Would you mind if I printed it and gave it to my own children? You say it so much better than I ever could.
So sweet and so true.
Janine, thank you!
Dr. G (my dear Debi!), thank you, that is the kind of digital footprint I DO want to leave them.
We moms can be too hard on each other, Debbie. You’re right, focus on the good!
Thank you so much, Kerstin!
Thank you so much, Susanne!
Aw, thanks Allie!
Love you and yours, Keely. xo
Thank you so much, Chris, as always. xo
Adrienne, thank you! xo
Andrea, thank you.
Tinne, mind? I would be honoured!
Really, just what we all need to hear on these trying winter mornings! I feel this way but I never know how to word this.
So lovely. I really needed to read this today. xoxo
Parenting is hard. There have been more than a few moments where the kids made me yell and I went to bed feeling guilty that I lost it.
But there are more good moments than bad and that makes all the difference.
Tamara, you have the words and the pictures, I know it!
Leigh Ann, thank you so much.
Jack, I know about the yelling. Sigh.
Thanks Alison for a great blog post. Can relate to every single word!
This could be a reply to every mother, from their baby
http://bit.ly/1GtZAWv
Lovely and perfect, Alison. And so very true.
This is so true my friend! We all need to hear this!
This is so lovely.
This is so right and perfect, Alison!