On Christmas morning, my little family was opening their gifts and I got to mine from all three kids. They all stopped what they were doing and watched me. I opened up the box and found a beautiful "Family" picture frame gracing a letter they had drafted to me!
As I read it outloud, my voice cracked and I started to cry. One of the girls had anticipated this and handed me a kleenex to dab my eyes as I read.
In case you can't read it, it says...
Dear Mom,
This is the last year we will all fully be together. We wanted to write this letter so you could remember what times were like before Ryan moved away. Thank you for putting up with us all this time even when we were/are mean, bratty, and stupid. These last few years have been hard but through God's help we've managed to get past them and become better people. Thank you for raising us in God's path. You are truely awesome for that and everything that you do/did for us. We love you SO much. Thanks.
Love,
Meri XOXOXOXOXO
Maddy aka The Favorite (just kidding)
Ryan :)
Oh my... I'm tearing up just typing it out! Apparently each of them wrote some of it. Robb got one too with different wording. He was able to read it without crying but his voice did crack a little!Both frames are on the livingroom bookshelf and I'm reminded daily of my wonderful children who are growing up way too fast and moving on with their lives.
Hug your kids and cherish every minute you spend with them.
Signed,
A fledgling empty nester (not quite empty yet... but eventually it will be...) who is not ready for this...
