This beautiful story is a real eye-opener, one that really touched my heart, making me aware of the many times, I hate to admit, that I took my own mother for granted when she needed me most. The letter offers a heart-wrenching perspective for when ‘the day’ arrives, detailing the many patient moments that this mother had with her child when she was younger- the repeated stories, the forgotten details, the minor inconveniences. She uses these experiences to help her beloved daughter overlook all the difficulties that her mother now faces in old age, asking her to cherish the time they have together.
Read her beautiful story below and share it with someone you love – we all need a little perspective like this every now and again.
My Dear Girl
The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: ‘You said the same thing a minute ago’… just listen please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day.
The day you see me getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart, the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way I offered mine to you when you first walked.
When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared.
With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say…
I Love You My Darling Daughter
