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Dearest Children, A Letter for the Day You Leave

I wrote the following letter to be read by my children the day they launch out into the world on their own.  It’s hard to believe that’s only ten years away.

Letter to Child

Dearest Children of Mine,

Today, as you read this letter, you’re preparing to move out of our home. I’m sure you’re giddy as you load your boxes into the trunk of our car, and I’m sure your dad and I are nervous as we check to make sure your doors lock properly.

But, today, as I write this letter, you’re just a little thing with wild hair. As I type this, you’re sleeping with an innocence and peace in your bed. You still ask me to cuddle with you every night, but tonight I told you no, because I was impatient and wanted a kiss to be enough. I now wish I had said yes.

Your eyes still light up when you see me walk in the room, and you follow me around the house longing for me to give you more of my undivided time. I don’t always stop and take the time to give you what you need, instead, out of frustration, I brush you off and ask you to leave me alone so I can finish my household duties I think are so important right now. You always come back eager to spend time with me, never questioning my love for you.

Today, I mean the world to you.

There are many years between the time I write this and the time you read it. There are too many uncertainties, too many open ended questions, and too many things that are out of my control. It’s these things that terrify me; I don’t know how to make all the right decisions, and teach you all the right things. I don’t understand why God gives a mother a beautiful gift like you to keep near, cherish, and love for many years, only to ask me to let you go.

I don’t know how much longer I’ll light up your eyes. I don’t know how many times I’ll mess up and let you down. I don’t know how our story will end, but there is one thing I know, there is one thing I am certain,

Because of you I am a better person.

Walking this road with you has taught me to stay and fight for the people I love. You’ve given me a reason to practice saying, “I’m sorry” and “I love you” with wild abandonment. You’ve shown me unconditional love, grace and complete acceptance. Your pure whole-heartedness has brought laughter, life, and excitement into our home.

So, today we’re giving you space to spread your wings and fly, and we’ll do whatever we can to make sure you’re successful at it, but it’s because of your daily childish example, you have demonstrated to us what it takes to enter into the kingdom of heaven. It’s your pure heart that has shown us who will see God, so for this we will always be indebted to you.

Thank you, my dearest ones for showing me how to be a better person.

I will love you always,

mE

…   …   …

This week, this post is combined with #write31days and Confessions of a #GoodEnoughMom Tuesdays. Be sure to link-up your letter to your dearest babies for the day they move out of your care below!

Next week, the #GoodEnoughMom link-up topic is

I Want Candy

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14 thoughts on “Dearest Children, A Letter for the Day You Leave

  1. Larissa says:

    Beautifully written!! What a sweet gift for your children. One of my most cherished gifts from my mom, who passed away a few years ago, is both my baby album and notes she wrote to me. I love seeing her handwriting and hearing her “voice” in her words. She was always the one who’s snail mail arrived first for my birthday and anniversary and that reality ended, and hit me hard, three years ago after she passed. I am so glad your children will have a literal piece of you and by reading your words, written specifically for them, they will never be able to doubt your love!!

    • Charity says:

      That is such an amazing gift your mother gave you. I think about that all the time, and wish I would take more time to do more of that stuff for my kids, but what I have done is going to be good enough to share my love! Thanks, Larissa.

  2. The Momma (aka Therese Moma) says:

    Oh my heart! This is so where I’m at right now. My kiddos are all still young and still love to be with me and I have been thinking a lot lately about the fact that these years go by so fast. Our youngest just turned two yesterday and while she still lights up when we walk in the room and still loves snuggles and stories being read to her, I know the day will come when she won’t have the time for all that stuff (my older two are almost 7 and almost 8) and will want to pursue life on her own terms, so I am trying my best to take in all these little moments and snuggle as much as possible. Thanks for a great post! This is a great idea to write a letter to your kids for particular things. I’m going to book mark your blog and go back to read the whole series!

    • Charity says:

      Thank you so much for stopping by! I can’t believe how writing that letter made me stop and think about how special this time is right now. I know I’ve gotten caught up in the “when will this be over” mind for awhile. I think this was just as good for me as it will be for them.

  3. Kate says:

    How sweet! I am one of this kids who somewhat recently left home. Your kids will so come to appreciate your heart for them as they get older, and this letter is a great aid in that.

  4. Chris Carter says:

    What a beautiful letter!!! I have been writing letters to my kids since they were in my belly!! I am so bummed, because I actually have a letter for when they are moving out and I could have shared it!!! I just haven’t published it yet… geesh!! My bad for not looking ahead at the prompt for this week.

    I loved yours… 🙂

    • Charity says:

      That is such a great idea. I don’t have the discipline to do it on a regular basis. My poor Christian doesn’t even have a baby book, but maybe I’ll get enough things like this post to show them that I really do love them a lot! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Chris, and please link-up your letter! I’d love to read it.

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