You've Come A Long Way
Have you thought about how much you’ve accomplished in this lifetime so far? I am not talking about education or career, but just simply being you.
My oldest daughter, Venise, turned 18 yesterday. First thing in the morning, she leaned toward me, gave me a hug and said, “Happy 18 years of being a mom. How do you feel to be a mom for 18 years?” I don’t know, actually. I didn’t do much other than providing the basics - food, shelter, clothing, and hugs. Everything else was her. Learning how to walk, potty training, how to feed herself, navigating emotions of different adults in the household, mending heartbreaks and disappointments each time her dad canceled weekend plan to visit her, homework, tests, friendships…
I answered her, “I’m not thinking about myself. I’m just so proud of you. All the things you had to learn from crawling to where you are now. I watched you in awe of how hard you worked.”
My answer to her made me realized how I never look back on the things I accomplished and say, “I am proud of you.”
To myself and to you who is reading this - you have accomplished many things. To be where you are now, along with the childhood trauma you endured or the heartaches and mistakes, you have come a long way. I am proud of you.
Like all proud moms, I have to share some photos of Venise. I am so grateful that she is in my life.
