Dear, My Dear

So, I have no children and am not sure I ever will. However, I've seen and have spoken with women who are incredible mothers. Of course, to me, no one outshines my mom.

I hope that if I were to have kids that some of those mothers' actions and ability to love without bounds would transfer to me.

This is for all the wonderful parents and guardians that help make not only their children's lives better but make the world a brighter, kinder place.

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Dear my Dear,

Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. We are so happy that you are here.

As I look upon you, sleeping in my arms, love and gratitude overwhelm me. How fortunate I feel to be a part of your world. If only we could stay forever in this perfect moment, the two of us in our little bubble.

Alas, life awaits you. Before we step out of this room, there is so much that I want to tell you.

My dear, first, always remember that if I could shield you from the darkness of the world so that you only saw the light, I would. If I could yield the powers that be so that you'd never suffer the pain of loss, jealousy, or neglect, so that you received nothing but love, understanding, and kindness, I would.

As you grow, you will learn more and more that perfect moments such as this one are rare. That not every person you meet will be good. Some people will hurt you, will make you question your worth, will cause you to wonder how their reigns of malice, oppression, and greed started and why they continue.

I wish I could explain why chaos and tragedy exist. The truth is that no person in the history or in the future of the world has ever been or ever will be perfect. This planet we call home is far from utopia.

But, before you are discouraged, let me tell you what else lies ahead.

Friendship: People who will introduce you to new interests, ideas, and hobbies. Who will understand you, make you laugh like no one else. The people who will share in the good times and weather the bad times with you. The family that finds you.

Family: The people with whom you are connected through birth and marriage. Who will support you, will create precious memories with you, will hug and encourage you, and will, yes, drive you a little bit crazy but will still be there at the end of the day.

Growth: Finding out who you are. Discovering your passions, these bursts of energy that invigorate and drive your very being. Learning about your surroundings and what keeps the wheel of life in motion.

Love: Knots in your stomach. Hoping to hear from them. Longing to see them. Acting slightly foolish and completely giddy. Feeling a bit more alive when they are near, a bit safer.

Unveiling the beauty that does exist, despite the imperfections.

Because while, yes, humans can be cruel, they can also be fantastic.

For if we didn’t have the people who cared, more people would be sick, hungry. Would drift through each day engulfed by despair and loneliness.

People can be good, and I can’t wait for you to meet those who are.

For those you run into who aren’t so kind, I’ll be there. When you need someone to hear your side, to provide advice, to be the target of your anger, or even to nurse your heartache, I’ll be there.

No matter where you go, who you fall in love with, which path you choose, I’ll be there.

But, for now, let’s just lie together in this blissful, serene moment. We'll worry about those pesky troubles and delight in our joys as they come.

All you need to know, in the moment, is this one simple fact:

I have loved you from your first breath, and I will love you until my last.

Always,

Mom

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Like what you read? Find me at www.facebook.com/stephdturner27/ or connect with me at www.linkedin.com/in/visit-stephanie-turner/.

My mom and I often take trips together. Here is a photo from our trip to New York City in September.