A Touching Thank You

Today I found a beautiful card, just tucked away in my office. Wondering why I had saved it, I opened it and quickly discovered the reason I had laid it aside somewhere safe. It was a note from my mom sent years ago after my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary. I had planned an elaborate surprise party (the party itself wasn’t so elaborate, just the lengths I went to for the surprise) to celebrate their anniversary. Apparently she was so touched that she wrote this beautiful note to me that I will cherish always.

As I read it I found myself wiping tears away and feeling even more connection to her words now that I am mother. She thanked me for the party, but she went on to say some of the most touching things she’s ever said to me. I won’t retype her message in it’s entirety, because I don’t have her permission, and it’s very personal. But she says, “We feel so blessed to have two wonderful children that have been our core strength for the past 25 years.”

That small statement says so much to me. It is a tip of the hat to our family values and how close we are as our little family unit. We didn’t grow up with a lot of family close by, so we mostly had each other and that was it. We relied on one another and took care of one another. We kept each other strong.

To hear that we were the core really shook me. To me she has always been the core.  I was always so thankful to grow up with such a strong woman to influence me. It helped shape me into the independent strong woman I am today. She set the example for me on how to be nurturing, strong, dependable, humorous, and honest.

She admits making mistakes when we were kids, and having regrets. That’s a hard thing for anyone to admit, but even harder to admit to your child. And somehow that made her seem more human. It made me feel better about being a mom and already feeling like I’ve made some mistakes. There are some hard days, and knowing that she’s been there gives me a glimmer of hope.

She goes on to say how proud she is of me. I strive to be the best person I can be, trying to be a model citizen, a good parent and a good person. I only hope I can continue to make her proud because she is the yardstick on which I measure my choices and my achievements.

I’ve placed the card in a more prominent position now so that I can be reminded daily that even she didn’t think she did everything perfectly, and that she’s proud of me and who I’ve become.