To My Dearest Sons,
I entered into parenting with a perfect vision of what motherhood would bring. Nowhere in my maternal dreams were there sleepless nights, explosive diapers, problems I couldn't solve, or times when I'd have to stand by and watch you fail.
I was going to be the mother to kiss every boo-boo, ease every fear, and right every wrong.
But parenting doesn't work that way.
The answers aren't always clear, the timing isn't always right, and life isn't always fair. Together we learned that that's OK.
Boys, we've had our share of heartbreaks, faced problems I couldn't fix, and lived with wrongs I couldn't right. I've messed up, failed you, surprised you, and loved you more and better than I could have ever imagined; thankfully, you've done the same.
You boys have taught me that life is messy and imperfect. More than that, you taught me that life was beautiful because of the imperfection, rather than in spite of it. Houses will be messy, clothes will get stained, but love makes a home and stains are just stains.
With you I learn every day the joy of simplicity, the wonder of nature, and the humor to be found in the most unexpected places. I've laughed until my belly hurt, danced without music, and rolled around in soft grass just because I could. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to remember what adulthood all too often takes away.
I thank you from the bottom of my over-sized heart for the lessons you've taught me about love and living. No amount of wisdom I could ever impart on your young souls could compare to the education you've given me. Quite simply, my world and the world at large is better for having you in it.
May you grow to love boldly, honor your talents, trust your instincts, and count your blessings for it is these lessons you've given me when I dare to scratch the surface.
It is with tremendous gratitude and an ever-humble heart that I'm able to call you my sons. I may never fully understand what I've done to deserve you, but I promise to continue to honor your gifts for as long as I'm able.
Three little words could never fully express the contents of my heart, for what I feel for you both feels like so much more.
To the moon and back, dear sons.
I love you,
Mom
Mommyfriend goes by Lori Garcia in real life and is a Shine Parenting Guru. She writes at www.mommyfriend.com where she's busy finding perfection in imperfection daily. When she's not watching infomercials she's an editor for GalTime, blogger for Babble's Kid Scoop, and one of the sexy founders of Project Marriage.
