On December 22, Amy wrote a letter to her daughter on her fifth birthday.  Amy used an idea that she had seen on Dooce's blog.  So, Amy, here is my open letter to you--

Amy, this is not a special day like a birthday or an anniversary.  However, it is special because your letter inspired me.  After spending time with you and your family, I always leave with a sense of admiration for you.  As the t-shirt that you bought says—you are a super woman.  You hold down two full-time jobs.  One is away from home, and one in which I know you excel although I don’t have first-hand experience watching you.  But I’ve watched you work at your second job, and you excel in that one too.  You get up early and go to your job away from home.  After that you start your second job by making dinner and spending time with your family; then you get the girls ready for bed.  That includes baths and teeth brushing.  Between all that you do the laundry, pick up around the house, and all the usual things that need to be done.  That is on a “normal” day.  Other things come up that have to be done, taking a tire to be fixed and going to the laundry mat when the dryer goes out.  You do that with a willing heart and joyful spirit.  If I were a teacher, I would give you an A plus.  If I were your boss, I'd give you a bonus.  If I were a stranger, I would give you a smile; no, a great, big grin.

You do all of those things, and you are still able to be a good friend to your mother and father, stay in contact with your brother, laugh with your in-laws, do loving things for your husband, and give your daughters a sense of unconditional love with your hugs and kisses.

In the future on those not-so-special days, I promise to say that I love you more often.  I promise to encourage you and say that I appreciate you and admire you.  If I forget or don’t take the time to tell you how much I love you, just read this blog! 

Love, Mom

Category: Family Point in Time