Dear Mom,
I want to thank you. And I know this week I have said many 'thank yous' but this is the real one. I know I am hard on you. I know that I expect you to be perfect. I know that I ask demand a lot. I know it is (nearly) impossible to make me happy. But...You have helped me tackle my latest life project as if it were your own. I know that this is your way. This is where you shine. I know that when you tell me you can't sleep at night because you are thinking of the back hall closet it is because I am still an extension of you. And you want me to feel happy. And cozy. And have the family and the life that we both envision. And I do.
I may not maintain the closets or drawers as perfect as they are now. I may (occasionally) forget to hang up my clothes. I may have clothes that are too small in my kids closets. Because that is me. And I have you. And you will always be there for me.
In your own way.
I wanted to post a public response to this lovely letter from my dear, sweet daughter.
Helping you this week was a labor of love and that is why it was so easy for me to do. Somewhere, I found energy that I forgot I had, so everything could be perfect for you and your family in near record time. I am happy to think that you will not be moving again for quite a while, because I think that I really will be too old to help the next time you decide to move.
I am not sure that it is you that expect me to be perfect, but really the other way around. I want you to be perfect. And you really are. What I am realizing is that though we are similar in so many ways, we are so different in many others. So our concept of perfection is different. You have such great love for what you do - your work, taking care of your children, and making a wonderful home for your family.
My children make me so proud of how Dad and I raised our family. You are all strong, secure and happy individuals - happy with your chosen mates and happy with your choices of your lives work. That is really all a parent can want for their children. It makes us so happy to see how you all get along and to know that you all care so deeply for each other.
So really, I thank you, for being my dear, sweet daughter. For letting me see every day how much love you have for your family and friends.