Letter To My Children- SidebySide Baby

Allie and Amelia,

I wish I could protect you from the world...

From hurt feelings, future boyfriends, bullies, falling and from anything that causes you pain. As your mother, I find that as you get older there is no actual way of keeping you protected other then wrapping you in bubble wrap and homeschooling you until your 30. 

As great as having a bubble wrap rash sounds till your 30! I know that I have to teach you how to protect yourself and how to be kind instead. 

I wish I could tell you once high school ends that bullying and anything causing you pain will end. 

I cannot lie to you, the truth is that even as a mother I experience bullying and pain. 

Yes, it doesn't end in high school. Once you're a mother, you even experience bullying from other mothers. And you experience pain from daily things. 

All I can do for you as a mother, is raise a daughter who is strong, confident and kind. I want you to know that when you focus on yourself and build yourself to be stronger, then you can become a woman that can not only help yourself but others too. 

Remember to always be kind and thoughtful. Remember how every low you feel, there is always someone out there feeling lower. And you can be the one to help them out. 

We are all kids and still learning daily. Don't be afraid to make mistakes but correct them when your done. 

When you see that kid in the corner that has those glossy eyes from having a ruff day, remember to extend a helping hand and make a friend. 

Take it one day at a time and remember,

Tomorrow is always a new day. 

Mom

SidebySide Baby

A Letter To My Sons- Heather

There are so many things I want you boys to know.  There are so many lessons I want to teach, and so many experiences I want you to have.  The truth is, you will make your way through life and learn things on your own, and ultimately form your own ideas, and your own views on life. You will decide how you carry yourself and the way you deal with others.  What I hope to do is to create a foundation that is so strong and so good, that it lights the path you will take.  I don't want to determine the ways you will go, rather to lead you in positive directions that will help you to grow into strong men, with good values and kind hearts. 

I want you to be strong.  

Strong enough to tell someone when they're hurting you, or someone else.  Hopefully you will stand up for others who are weaker and can't do it on their own.  I'll try to instill this in you, that everyone has a story and a background and to be slow to judge and quick to forgive.  But it will be in your hands to live this way.  

I want to let you know I'm not perfect either.  No one is.  

But you try and recover from faults.  You TRY and be a better person and grow and learn and keep an open mind.  I get scared sometimes I'll miss a lesson, or I'll behave in a way that will show you the opposite of what I want to instill.  But that's what being human is.  The fact that you notice things in yourself is what helps you grow, and to become a better human being.  I'm still growing boys, and I hope I am until the day I die.  There will never come a day where I say, ' I don't need to know anymore' or 'I know everything.'  You never should either.  Stay humble and remember the world has so much to teach you, and be open to it.  

You will be afraid in life.  

At some point you might feel less than someone.  There might be a time where you feel unworthy, not good enough, just plain depressed.  This is normal.  What I want you to remember is that everyone feels this way sometimes.  The important part is how you deal with it.  Your character is the most important thing you have, because despite what you can afford, what career you hold, it is what defines you.  How do you treat others when you're in pain? Everyone is going through a struggle we know nothing about.  So just as I mentioned above how you might feel, keep in mind others might be feeling the same way.  

Be kind.  You'll never regret it.  

It's easy in life to start to form a hardened shell.  Especially when you're sensitive.  It's easy to look at someone and say 'what's wrong with them' or 'they're weird, they're mean.'  Try to keep your empathy, try to stay objective;  you just never know the whole story. 

All in all I want you to be true to yourself, while not letting your wishes and desires harm others.  I want you to live a fulfilling life, that enriches the lives of others in some way.  You have already changed my life, and I know you have so many more to touch.  You made me grow up a bit.  All I wanted was to sleep in, or watch the shows I used to watch, or paint or write.  But you were a baby, and you needed me so.  I cherish that you need me now so deeply.  That first time I realized I couldn't do just what I wanted, when I wanted, it might've hurt a bit.  But it made me a better person, and it made me happier.  We go around thinking fulfilling only the things that WE want is the key to happiness.  You have made me see that it's so much more than that.  I'll have a time to do the things I want, when I want.  My role now is enriched and my life is full.  I will chase my dreams, while caring for you.  Not care for you, while chasing my dreams.  You, my babies, will always be the most important.  

I love you boys, with all of my heart and soul.  My world is so much better because you're in it.   Always remember how special you are, and the power that you have to make the world a better place.  Try to lead with love, and see the world out of that mindset.   Keep a clear vision on what you want, and take little steps that will lead you there.  You might get lost a time or two, but never despair.  Those little detours add character.  

Love you more than the whole, wide, world.  ~  Mom