TheMommyBlog

Sunday, December 16, 2007 Family

It really doesn’t cost more than a sheet of paper and some thoughtful moments. Letters are so rare these days that no one thinks to give them as gifts.

A couple of years ago, a reader wrote to ask if there was something he could send our family for the holidays to express his appreciation for our sharing our stories. I replied that we did not need anything, but that the most meaningful thing the children could receive was a letter describing all the things that make them special and loved. And, darn it, he delivered. I still get teary-eyed when I read it. It’s my favorite gift, ever, and what I suggested to my own children when they asked what they could possibly give Dad with no money and no transportation at their disposal. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

Hi Mindy, Hi Logan, Hi Dylan, Hi Daphné,

Christmas is at the door. Santa, who knows everything, has a report on each one of you. He let me take a peek at them. Well well…

Mindy:
You’re a beautiful woman, and not only outside. You do what ever you can do keep your lives running, and boy, you are great at it! Even if it is not easy everyday, you keep up the pace, work, cook, write-in-your-blog, clean, wash, write-in-your-blog, brush teeth, clean the tub (ahem), write-in-your-blog, and last but not least, love your children (and did I say that you write-in-your-blog?). You are there, no matter what happens.  For your kids, for your friends, your family… Well, you are Mindy.

Logan:
The big 7 years old. The big brother. You know what you want. You’re no longer a baby, and it shows. What you say is always an interesting point of view, although it could seems a little strange for an adult sometimes. For example, you know things about animals that a lot of grownups don’t! I wish I had a friend like you to play with, when I was younger!

Dylan:
The impredictible. No, not the “incredible”. Although… In a Flash, you disappear here and get at in the other side of the house. The toy you just dropped has not even touched the floor that you are already preparing a surprise for your mom. One thing is certain: You are full of energy! If your mom’s laptop is running low on battery, you could recharge it with your two little fingers! Even when you go to recharge yourself in mommy’s arms, you give her energy too.

Daphné:
The little princess, the little mermaid. A beautiful angel made into a little girl. Well, an angel with sometimes a devilish behavior… A pink sweety with big heart, that could let some strange green “traces” where you go. Well, a little girl that no one couldn’t love.

That’s what Santa let me see.  But there is something he told me. He told me you’re a great family. You have some hard times, you have some wonderful times. You can cry, you can laugh. You can play together, you can shout at each other, even sometimes. But no matter what, you are ONE family. He also told me that he has seen mommy do unbelievable things for her children, and sometimes ground them.

But, you know, Logan, Dylan, Daphné, he KNOWS one thing for sure. Whether Mommy hugs you, or punishes you, no matter what you’ve done to deserve a punishment, she will love you with all her heart, and that is forever. YOU are her everyday gifts. And my everyday gift is to read about you all. Thank you for being there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you.

Hugs,

Henri (I read your Mommy’s stories)