to my daughter on mother's day

My Sweet Everdeen,
We were writing Mother's Day cards in my fourth grade class and I had a few students who were struggling with what to write.  I walked over to them and said, "Your mother gave you life! She brought you into this world. That in itself is worthy of honoring your mom every day for the rest of your life."  They looked at me strangely because that's what fourth grade boys do :)  

I began thinking about how momentous it is to be a mother.  It is not just something that happens overnight.  We are transformed into a new being the moment that little heart begins to beat within us. We are given this glorious gift of motherhood from these tiny souls that will always be a part of us and us a part of them.   You have always been with me...and as strange as it seems, I feel like we are two old souls who have found each other.   We have always been meant to be together and you were the one who was specifically chosen to make me a mama.  And for that, I am eternally grateful. 

I was talking to your Auntie Kate the other night about some serious soul searching I have been doing.  She reminded me of who I have become since becoming a mother...how much stronger I am. My sweet girl, you have given me this gift of wanting to be better everyday, for myself, for you, for our family.   

I know I tell you a million times a day that I love you, but that's just because the love I have for you is so incredibly powerful and I can't help but share it with you every moment of every day.   Thank you for making me a mama, thank you for loving and laughing and making me feel like I have this mothering thing down, even when I don't. Thank you for making me realize that you are part of my purpose here on this earth. 

You are my everything
Love,
Mama

And to my own mom, thank you for giving me life and for bringing me into this world. :) I am honored to be a part of you and I am so incredibly grateful everyday for your unconditional love and support.   I love you so much