Motherhood II

 I love you
    to the moon and back,
    across town, late at night, wherever and whenever you call.

I love you
    more than there are stars in the sky—
    more than a childhood's worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I love you
    to the unfathomable depths of the sea,
    through the unpredictability of the future.

I love you
    more than self,
    which I already risked in birthing you.

I love you
    through every sleepless night, every early morning,
    every sharp response, every shared skill,
    every salty tear, every warm embrace,
    every earnest apology, every bedtime melody.

I love you
    like no other.

I love you
    like a mother.

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From my children

Mom, thank you for taking care of me and loving me when I'm sad and doing your best to make everyone happy.

Mom, I don't even know how to start explaining how grateful I am to have you as a mom and as a friend. Because you are so incredible it's hard to put into words. You are such a kind person and always look and accept new situations with a perspective of understanding and helping people. That's one of the things I find so incredible about you. It's like you are able to put on different lenses and see the best way to react. I love how hard you try and how you never give up, but also just remember that sometimes it's okay to say how you really feel because emotions are a mess and we were not made to be perfect. We were made to be constantly changing and it is our choice if we're changing for better or for worse. So just remember that you are enough and I know I'm not perfect but if you ever think to yourself "what have I done to deserve you" just know that you have done everything, and if you ever think anyone else would be better for me, to help me deal with my emotions, just know I would always choose you and God gave me you as a parent for a reason and I'm so thankful He did. Lastly remember when you said you were proud of how I can create a beautiful community where people feel safe and accepted just know that you were the one that taught me to learn and accept because you did so to me. You have always been a constant unmovable force in my life because sometimes you push me forward but you also know when it's time to just let me stop and feel. I know this note is really long but just know it was so easy to write because you are a truly incredible person. Just know I will always love you and that you are enough and you are amazing.

Mom, you are really awesome, and I love the messages you leave me. I know I don't respond very often but that doesn't mean I don't care about them. The food you made for dinner tonight was really good, and I always like the meals you make for us. I love how you're always there for all of your kids and how you always support us and listen to us whenever we need to talk.

Hi Mom! Happy Mother's Day! I love you so so so so much, and I'm grateful for everything you do. Thank you for always driving me places even though they may be far away. Thank you for letting me have fun with my friends at parties even though they make you nervous. Thank you for always responding to my reels even though I might send you too many. Thank you for always listening to what I have to say even when others don't. Thank you for bringing me into this world and for giving me a happy life. I love you and if you ever need anything or someone to talk to, you can ask me.