For Michelle
My Lovely Daughter,
Four days ago, you married a really good man, and just before your wedding, I asked if I could use the parental card to say something.
You said I couldn’t make you cry, so I didn’t. But now, in the privacy of my home, and of your home reading this, I can say to you what I wanted to say then.
I love you more than my own life, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I want you to know I think you are an amazing woman. You are kind, compassionate, funny, intelligent, and you have strength and character that many do not possess. I am so very proud to know you, and to be your mother.
Before I stood beside you at your wedding ceremony, I was aware that a year ago on the same date you and I had returned from California to New Zealand shattered, broken, and drained.
Chris is God’s redemption in your life, and by proxy, in mine, because he is the man he is, and because he loves you, and because his love and support for you is healing, and because your well being is important to me, it makes me happy.
You and I have travelled several paths together as mother and daughter. When you were young, and then as two adults. As your mother, I made decisions for your younger self, but as an adult, I cannot think of a better companion with whom I’ve travelled.
Mich, you are a brave woman. Had I been required to take the same journey you have, I don’t know how I would have fared.
I am so thankful for you.
I think of you at different stages of your life and I laugh, because the one word I have always associated with you is joy, and joy is what I wish for you, my darling, joy in life, joy in love, joy in your new marriage to that awesome man who showed up at the right time.
I want you to know I love you in ways I can’t describe. I know you know the ways a mother loves their child, so all I can say is, I am glad that God gave you to me.
Love, Moo
zestymuz
