Dear Kids, I Hope You Know How Deeply I Love You—Even When I Make Mistakes

“Dear Kids,

I’m sorry I was a jerk.

I wish you knew that sometimes when the house is dark and quiet, I come in and watch you breathe for a minute. I wonder, there in the stillness, if you know how much I love you.

I think about the things I could have said differently, and I wonder if you let my mistakes roll off of you or if they stuck. I hope and pray, there in the stillness, that you know how deeply and widely I love you.

You saw me at my best today, and you saw me at my worst.

We cuddled on the couch this morning and your bed head was pressed into my chest. I smelled your hair and whispered, ‘I love you.’ I also lectured you about LISTENING and NOT INTERRUPTING, and was way grumpier than I needed to be. Later, I laid on your bed and apologized for being a jerk.

You’ve seen me in all my colors and I have no facades with you. I am just one mess of a mama that apologizes often and loves you with every fiber of my being.

I don’t really know what I’m doing. I wish I did, but I don’t. I do my best and I trust my gut, but sometimes I make mistakes. Sometimes I say things that shouldn’t be said.

Please keep telling me when I hurt you and I will make it right. We are learning and growing together.

Sometimes I can’t find the words to let you know how I feel about you. I want to, but I can’t.

Though sometimes I am overwhelmed and stressed, I wish I could push pause and keep these days forever and ever.

I am proud of you. I tell you that, but I know you don’t fully understand what that means yet. I’m proud of you in a way that doesn’t depend on your successes or failures. I’m proud of who you are and I will always be your greatest fan…no matter what.

I hope my imperfection gives you permission to be imperfect too. I hope you always let me see your flaws and your mistakes because you know I’m safe. I hope you never hesitate to tell me when you’ve screwed up, because this imperfect mama will love you no matter what.

My love will wrap itself around you whether you want it or not. There’s nothing you could ever do that would make it stop. Not ever.

I am yours.

We’re in this together for the long haul my loves, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than here.

I love you.

Love,

Mama”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Jess Marie. You can follow Jess on Instagram and Facebook. Join the Love What Matters family and subscribe to our newsletter.

Read more stories like this:

‘No one is cleaning their house every day. We are ALL losing our crap.’: Mom insists ‘you’re amazing’ at motherhood even when it doesn’t feel like it, ‘To them, you are everything’

‘Let me know if you need anything.’ But a new mom never will.’: Woman’s candid advice on how to help a new mom so they don’t ‘shoulder it alone’

Provide beauty and strength for other mothers. SHARE this story on Facebook with your friends and family.