Dear Kids, I'm With You No Matter What

Dear Kids,

I am with you.

I was with you when you were in my belly. I was swollen, heavy, tired, and I felt like a moose, but I was with you.

I was with you in the seconds, the minutes, and the hours of labor, when I truly didn’t think I could go on.

I was with you when I held you, and nursed you, and smelled your perfect skin for the very first time.

I was with you at 3 a.m. and again at 3:45. I was with you when I stumbled in the dark to get you from your crib. I was with you when I bargained with God for you to sleep.

I was with you when I cried because I was so very tired, and my pants didn’t fit, and I couldn’t find time to brush my hair.

I am with you when you sneak into my bed at night and I’m pushed to the far edge of the mattress.

I am with you when you throw a fit about something you want, and when you act like I’m trying to poison you with dinner.

I am with you when you roll your eyes and you walk away. I will always be with you, my love, no matter how mad you get at me.

I am with you when we snuggle on the couch and watch a movie.

I am with you when you ask me a million questions before I’ve had the first sip of my coffee.

I’m with you when I’m grumpy and you can tell. I’m with you when I’m short-tempered and lecturing about silly things like food on the couch.

I am with you when you’ve lost your socks and your shoes and we are running fifteen minutes late already.

I’m with you when you want a hug and when you don’t.

I don’t always get it right; I often get it wrong, but I will be with you forever no matter what.

I will be with you if you get good grades, and I’ll be with you if you’re struggling in school.

I’ll be with you when you succeed and I’ll be with you when you make hundreds upon hundreds of mistakes.

I’ve made them too, my love, and I understand better than you know.

I’ll be with you if you become an astronaut, or a teacher, or a person who is just struggling to find their way. We all struggle, my love. You could never disappoint me, because I am a fan of you.

You have nothing to earn, and nothing to prove.

I am here forever.

There is nothing you could ever do to make me walk one single step away from you.

Not ever.

You are my forever and ever.

I would choose you over every restful night, and every painless day a thousand times again.

Love,

Mama

XOXO