Life: A letter to my mum

Dear Mum,

Happy Birthday for today.

Another year gone.

This time last year, Miss A had just had her tonsils out and BabyCool had burnt hands. At the time, these things consumed all my thoughts and I used up a lot of tears. And now, a year further along the road and these things don’t seem to bother me as much. They still bring a pingy pain in my heart, but the pain is far less than it was.

I love the way you have been an Oma to my children. Watching you with them is lovely. You love them each and all, differently and the same. My children adore you and love spending time with you. For some reason, sweeping the back porch at your house is ten times more fun than sweeping our own back porch – why is that? You know the girls love sleeping over and brag about how they will get dessert and eat pancakes or French Toast for breakfast. I love that they sleep under blankets that I used to sleep under. They love the independence of being out from under my watchful eye and being able to hang out at your house {under your watchful eye}.

Over the years I have not been very easy to get along with. I argue a lot and have high expectations. I want things in life that you don’t understand. I strive for things that you don’t see as important. I know that you only want what is best for me and for my children and I love that. I love that you encourage me to both do what I dream of doing and also to be the best mum I can be.

So many times you have said how you are glad that you are not raising children now. When you were raising us, it was your only job – now each of your daughters are trying to balance work and child raising and other things as well – it is a whole different world. I am so glad that I have you to talk to about life and that you have made yourself so available to your grandchildren and to your own children. I know that I could not have done nearly as much without your help. I am forever grateful.

I hope today is special and that you get time to reflect about what a testament your life is to your children and your grandchildren.

Happy Birthday Mum.

I love you.

B.