being a mama

...means that you have to let them go. I feel a fortunate mama, because there will be many years of letting them go, and I am only part way into that. But it is hard. It is hard to see your babies grow up. Especially the last one. It is hard to see your big kids leave.

My Alice lives 5,537 kilometers from home.  Even in miles it is still quite a few.  My Scout is a 4,301 kilometers away.  My Polly still lives at home, but not for long I must concede.  She is finished school and awaiting the Great Adventure.  I cannot tell you how much I love them because it would ruin my keyboard.  Their lives are busy with studies and all, but we talk regularly and I thank God that they miss me as much as I miss them.  They read my blog and sometimes leave comments.

My Dear Daughters,

This morning Baby Rosebud asked how many of us there were.  Meaning girls.  It's hard to count people who are so tall.  I told her that, including me, there are five of us girls.  Well, I didn't mean you, she says.  I mean the ones you gave birth to.  Ah, yes, I say.  Well then there's four.  Three big girls and you, Rosebud.

I'm Big.  She says.

And it is so true.  I'm glad I have you around, you are so smart.  You're glad you gave birth to me, you mean.  She says.  And that is what I mean.

I have a lot to thank you all for.

Thank you, my girls, for being the example you are for your brothers and Rosebud.  Thank you for showing me The Way.  Thank you for modesty.  Not just in the clothes you choose to wear, but in your speech and carriage.  You call me to a higher standard.

Thank you for never forsaking me even when I was grumpy.  Thank you for your forgiveness.  Thank you for when you bring me an Aero bar when you are out.  Thanks for chopping vegetables with me and baking Christmas cookies.  Thanks for driving your brothers places.

Thanks for buying the family groceries and filling up the van with gas.

Thanks for still wanting to come home for Christmas.  Thanks for needing to talk to me.

Thank you for your prayers.  Sometimes that might have been the only reason I got through the day.  Sometimes it still is.

Thank you for loving God with abandonment.  This has always been what I asked Him for above all else.

I love you all. mama