A Letter to My Daughters
I wrote this letter when you girls were 10 and 12. That’s fourth and sixth grade. I first thought to write a letter such as this when you were babies. Well until now it didn’t seem so urgent.
I find myself holding my breath as the days go by. Holding it not because I fear what I might say, but because most days I do not know what to say.
I am scared for you.
I know how hard it is to be a girl. I too worried about deadlines in school, where I should buy my clothes, and who I should be friends with. Technology was not a threat when I was a kid. It is beyond overwhelming now. It is a real threat! All of which seem trivial when you are an adult, but life or death when you are 10 and 12.
It has been a tough year.
I have watched as you have cried over friendships lost. Know that I cried with you.
I have watched in despair as you went off to Middle School for the first time. Hoping and praying that you find your way with your head held high. I have watched as friends that you have thought of as sisters break your heart. Know that my heart broke too. I wish I could say that this is the worst it will get. That friends come and go and you will find more. I know that you will find more, but it kills me that these are lessons that you girls have had to learn. Holding you as babies I would whisper in your fragile baby ears that I would always protect you. That I would never let you hurt like this. I am sorry! I am sorry that I could not keep my promises. Know that I tried. Know that I wanted to. Know that I love you!
As this school year is coming to an end I feel I am able to breath a bit more. Summer memories and hopes and dreams for the impending school year. Know that we have a lifetime of memories to make and share with each other.
Know that your lives matter.
Know that you can do anything. Know that you are beautiful, smart, and everything that I have ever wanted. Know that I love you!
Love,
Mom
XOXOXOXO
