Parenting Relationships

Dear Mom: You Did a Great Job Too

Days after you and Dad listened to me pour out my soul for over an hour on Facetime, you sent me this:

It’s not the first time you’ve sent me words of encouragement that I’m conquering motherhood (and life). And I hope it’s not the last.

You seem to know exactly when I need to hear this, but I don’t think you know how much it means to me.

Your latest text has me wondering, though, whether your mother ever told you what a great job you did raising us.

My guess is no.

And not because Grandma didn’t think it, but in those days, I just don’t think it was something that people felt the need to say. Besides, in my mind (and probably in Grandma’s), you carried motherhood with such class and grace, you never appeared to need the reinforcement.

But I bet you did need it because this parenting thing is a tough business!

Several times a year, I text or email you to apologize for the things I did as a teenager and to thank you for putting up with me. (And by the way, thank you for always responding that you have forgotten about those issues!) But I don’t think I’ve ever told you what a great job you did on conquering motherhood (and now grandmotherhood)!

When you look at what your daughters have become and the families we are raising, I think you have some pretty solid proof of your success as a mother.

But if that’s ever not enough…

I just wanted to tell you that you are a WONDERFUL mother and an intelligent, funny and accomplished woman and you should be proud of yourself!

Love, Beth