My dear sweet girl,
Someday, I’ll tell you about the loves I experienced before you. The men who came and went. The hearts I broke, and those who broke mine. Someday, I’ll tell you about the lessons I learned and the mistakes of mine I hope you’ll never repeat. But this Valentine’s Day, there’s something far more important I want to share.
Little girl, I need to make sure you know that you are the love of my life.
From the very first time I laid my eyes on you, I knew: We were meant to be a family. You may not have my eyes or nose, but you absolutely share my sense of humor and in so many ways, you’re my little introverted mini me. Your laughter fills my heart with joy and your hugs are pretty much my favorite thing ever. You are cherished, my sweet daughter.
Because of you, because of my desire to be the best mom I can possibly be to you, I am a stronger, fiercer, better version of myself. I fight for us both in a way I never fought for myself. I’m not sure I ever fully knew my worth before you, but being your mommy now, I see it every day in your eyes.
I am valuable. I am worthy. And I am Mommy to a little girl who I have no doubt was meant to make this world a better place.
You are all that is good and right in the universe, little girl. Your smile can light rooms, and your empathy and compassion are astounding for someone so small. You are, hands down, the best gift I’ve ever been given. I will never stop being grateful for your presence in my life.
It is because of these things, and so many more, that I know an incredible love is waiting to find you in this life. I hope you’ll be patient enough to wait for it. To recognize your own worth and hold out for the good you deserve. I hope you’ll know that in the years to come, if you’re the one who doesn’t have a Valentine or who doesn’t get a secret letter from the person you like at school, it doesn’t mean no one loves you. It doesn’t mean there isn’t something great waiting for you.
For now though, sweet girl, while you’re still small and convinced that Mommy is the best person in the world, I’ll continue to relish these moments where you beg me to be your Valentine.
I believe that you will find a way to make your mark on this world. I have no idea how, or what your passion will be, but I know that you are going to touch the lives of those you meet in a thousand different ways. That you are going to inspire love and warmth wherever you go. Because you already do, sweet girl.
I hope you’ll know that love sometimes hurts and leaves scars on the heart, but that it should never leave bruises on your body. I hope I do my job in raising you by showing you that love isn’t cruel and it doesn’t manipulate or judge. I hope you’ll know that no matter who you love, I’ll love them too—so long as they fill your heart with joy and treat you with the kindness you so deserve.
Most of all, I hope you’ll never close yourself off to love or the potential for finding someone new. No matter where you end up, or how many times you fall, I hope you’ll keep your heart open and remember how much good there is waiting in this world to find you.
For now, though, sweet girl, while you’re still small and convinced that Mommy is the best person in the world, I’ll continue to relish these moments where you beg me to be your Valentine. The ones where mine is the hand you want to hold, and when reading books in my lap is your favorite place to be.
I know it won’t last forever. I know someday, you’ll leave my side to seek bigger and better—to achieve goals and forge relationships I am sure I will be forever proud of.
But this Valentine’s Day, I plan to hold you close and remain thankful for you, the greatest love of my life. One day, I might just remind you that I was the first love of yours.
Now, share those chocolates. I got them for us both!
All My Heart,
Your Mommy
Image via Leslie Meadow Photography
