Just like every open letter starts, I want to say thank you. I know so many other children write “open letters to my mother,” but this one is different because I am personalizing it to you, Julie Laible.
First off, I want to thank you for making us your world. And with that, thank you for homeschooling me. It made me appreciate motherhood so much more because you were always around us. Even after being with us 24/7, ever since later elementary school, you still remind us daily how you wish we hadn’t moved away, and how much you miss us. When you see other parents traveling the world when their kids move away, you tell us how fun that would be -- if we were there with you and dad. You always make sure we know that we are more than welcome members of the family, and that we are your world. So I thank you for the self-confidence you molded us in.
Secondly, I want to thank you for raising me in a strong Christian home. I always show people pictures of you and dad and point out how the two of you are everything I want to be in life. I want to have the love for my husband, like you do for dad, and the passion for the Lord that you have. I want to be a prayer warrior like you are, and have the faith that can move mountains like you've shown us. I want my kids to love my husband, God and me like your children do. You never made us feel silly or stupid for asking the most simplistic questions about why we are Christians, and specifically PCA. You always let us think for ourselves, while still; loving us and demonstrating God’s love for children. And I’ll never stop bragging on you and your relationship with Christ because it’s something I strive to achieve every day.
Lastly, I want to thank you for your integrity and forgiveness (which is a result of your strong walk with the Lord.) Everyone lies, and saying we don’t just proves my point. But, you go above and beyond to make sure you are always truthful with us. As kids, we lie, fight and do the stupidest things, but you love us anyway and set an amazing example at the same time. You have never made me feel that I was not 100 percent forgiven. You always would tell me how much you loved me, after you punished me (which I deserved).
In conclusion, I -- like most people out there -- say I have the best mom a girl could ask for. But, in this case, I know I have the best mom. My prayer is that one day I am able to set an example for my children like you have for us, and be the God fearing and forgiving mother that you have been to me. Thank you, Julie -- you’re my favorite.
