An Open Thank you Letter to the Mother Who Did Not Raise Her Daughter
I want to start off on a positive note by letting you know that I thank you for never being around when I was a child. As I have grown older, and definitely wiser, I have realized that you actually gave me a better life by not raising me. I'll be the first to admit that for the longest time I held a grudge against you for leaving me. I could not wrap my then small mind around why you were not around. Was it something I had done to you? Was I really that bad, for you to literally abandon me? Did you think that I didn't need a mother around? Those were all questions I asked myself on a daily basis. I know you remember times as a young girl, growing into a woman, being so difficult that you just needed someone to vent or cry to. I needed that also.
I remember vividly being a very shy, timid fourth grade child trying to figure out life when Mother Nature hit me with a low blow. I had gotten my period at only 9 years old. I could not vent this to my peers; I was too embarrassed. I knew none of them had gotten a visit from Mother Nature. I needed a mother around more than ever; but I understand now, you had a life of your own to live.
Then, when I went to prom, I really needed you! I needed all the hacks and rules you know about hair and makeup! I needed advice on which dress suited me best, which hairstyle fit my facial shape best, and which shoes and jewelry would really make my dress pop. Where were you then? I guess you knew I would figure things out, didn’t you?
Now as an adult I look back on my childhood and I am so grateful I never had you around. Over the years I have gotten to experience life on my own! I have learned lessons the hard way and for that I am thankful because now I know what not to do. I have also learned to love myself because when I had no mother around, I had myself! I have grown very independent because I have never depended on anyone in life. Also,I knew I could never let myself down, so I always did my best!
However, through all the hardships, you taught me something very valuable. You taught me how to be a mother. All of the things I wanted as a child but never had, all the tender love I only wished to receive, and all the times I just needed guidance taught me what a mother really is; I am that mother. I will never let my kids down because I know how that pain feels. I will be at every sporting event cheering them on. I will be there for every heartbreak to dry their tears because I know they need all the comfort they can get. More importantly, I will never abandon them. So again, thanks to you, I am now the mother I always wanted!
