Thank You Letter – Because I Knew You

I can’t help but preface my letters lately. I watched a video of the song “For Good”, from the musical Wicked. (If you haven’t heard this song you need to look it up on Youtube because it’s spectacular. In fact, here’s a link.)

As I listened, I thought of my mom, my best friend that lives in another state, all the mothers I knew growing up, and the mothers I know now.

What better time to express appreciation for the women in our lives than Mother’s Day?

I often worry about finding the perfect gift for my mom on Mother’s Day but I think all she really wants to know is that she did a good job. That’s what we want as mothers isn’t it – to know that someone appreciates us and acknowledges our sacrifice for our family.

To the Mothers I’ve Known,

Thank you to the moms I knew while I was growing up. You were amazingly funny, talented, friendly, and you didn’t take any sass. You were wonderful examples of service. I watched you serve each other with no expectation of reward. I watched you serve my family, the neighbors, and perfect strangers all with the same love and concern. I watched you fight, reconcile,  and forgive. Because I knew you, I know what strong mothers look like.

Thank you to the women I know now. Technically, you aren’t all moms, but you are certainly still special on Mother’s Day. You are funny, hardworking, devoted women that I am honored to know. I see your many talents and have to remind myself not to compare my weaknesses with your many strengths.  Thank you for mothering my children when I’m not around. Some of you love my children as though they were your own. Because I knew you, I strive to be better.

Thank you to my dear college friends. We don’t see each other very much anymore but when we do I laugh so hard I cry. You are kind, loyal, and forgiving. You’ve seen me at my worst and you’re still my friends. That’s pretty awesome. You know what I’m thinking even before I do. I’ve watched you start successful careers and somehow manage to become the most amazing mothers. Because I knew you, I understand that friends can last a lifetime.

Thank you to my mother-in-law for raising a good man and being an incredible grandmother. In my children’s eyes, you’re only second best to Santa Claus. Even then, I think you might have him beat when you walk through our door. You’ve sacrificed for your family and continue to do so. Thank you for raising a good son and, now, father. I’m so blessed to have him. Because I knew you, I have a strong father for my children.

Thank you to my mom for always, unapologetically, being yourself. You were not like the other moms. Okay, you were in a lot of ways – loving, kind, funny – but you were different. Maybe that was only in my eyes, but people respected you. You were the one to go to in an emergency. Literally, people showed up at our door when lives were at stake. You taught me the value of keeping a level head. You taught me the value of admitting mistakes. You taught me that your children always came first and there was nowhere else you would rather be.  You are my biggest cheerleader.  You are unwaveringly loyal. Because I knew you, I have always been unconditionally loved.

Because I knew (know) all of you, I have been changed for the better.

Thank you,

Stacey