“A child will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, the past is forgotten and the future worth living for.” —anonymous
Dearest Michelle, your mom and I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday. We were happy to offer you a romantic evening with Kyle, why we babysat Lyla. Experts say that memories reflect the fabric of our lives and the person we have become. They can also reflect the impact of the type of childhood we enjoyed. Experiences are not just what happens to us, they are the raw material we utilize to shape our identity.
Looking back at some of your childhood photos, particularly during our three week trip to Israel when you were 7 years old, and your brother Jason was 12, it brought back some fond memories. It is nice to recall how happy, playful and free you were as a child. As you follow your mother’s footsteps, who was very happy as a young girl growing up in Chicago, so too will precious Lyla, follow in your footsteps.
What your mother wanted most for you and Jason, when you looked back at your childhood, was for you to remember that she gave it her all. As you got a bit older, she was fond of saying: “I’m your mother, it's my job to worry.” She will be the first to tell you she failed at times, believing she fell short in her role as a mother. But, she tried her hardest to teach you about kindness, love, compassion, and honesty. Apparently, it worked as you display all those traits and more. She coached you on how to make the right decisions. She loved you enough to keep going, even when she was unsure of herself. She wanted you to remember her as the woman who always had your back. As do I, sweetheart. We love you unconditionally.
