Any parent knows, this job (and yes, it is a job) is fraught with all sorts of uncertainty and peril. Thoughts of, “Am I doing it right? Should I have handled this better? What could I have done differently?” are part of a steady stream that run through our heads. Then you get something like this, a wonderful counter to the instances of, “You’re doing it wrong.” Casey, wrote this in advance of Mother’s Day and it’s times like this that remind me that, though not perfect, I must be doing something right. At least I was when she wrote this. So take a read of Casey’s note and ask yourself, what would your kids say they love about you?

 

Hey Mom, it’s Casey! I realize you’re under a lot of stress right now and could use some reassurance at the moment. So, Mom, here are 5 things I admire about you.

 

 YOUR STRENGTH: You are the strongest person I know, not physically, but strong when you deal with problems and situations. From writing an amazing book to going into life-changing surgery, you are the bravest and strongest person I know. It’s very inspiring for me!

 

 YOUR GOOD ADVICE: When I’m dealing with tough things in my life, whether it has to with friends or school, you always seem to know just what to say and make me feel better. I have learned so much from you while growing up!

 

YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR: Connecting back to number 2: when I’m having a bad day, you always cheer me up and make me laugh when I think I can’t. Although I CAN’T STAND IT WHEN YOU DANCE AND SING IN THE CAR IN FRONT OF MY FRIENDS, I’m only acting embarrassed but really hiding my laughter.

 

YOUR LENIENCE: I feel a bit blessed for not having a REALLY strict mother when it comes to problems. I admire how you know how to stay calm in tough and tricky situations (like parenting Cole and me). I also admire how you know when it’s time to put your foot down and say enough is enough!

 

YOUR LOVE AND KINDNESS: I know when you read this, you may cry, but I just want to say that I love you. I feel so blessed to have you as a mother and I am so grateful for having such a great teacher for living life. I’m thankful that we don’t get into many arguments like other mothers and daughters, too. I know some people who can just go out and say,“I hate my mom”. How can you hate your mom, the woman who raised you? I can’t imagine my life without you in it.

So Mom, I hope this little list makes you feel better about yourself because you really are a magnificent person in my eyes. I believe in you and if you ever lose faith in your abilities, just read this!

~Love, Casey

 

(And yes, little girl, I DID cry when I read this… )

 

More from GEM:

Why Reinvention Rocks!

New Strand: Second Acts

Eyes Wide Open!  5 Things I Learned While Traveling The World

 

Casey Parham is an All-American, teenage girl who likes to sing and play softball, is equally talented at viola and volleyball and has mastered the art of ignoring her little brother and parents simultaneously. Her teachers call her peacemaker, her friends call her awesome and her mother is just happy she answers when called. Casey plans to study art when she goes to college.