Benefits of a Life Offline {A letter from my daughter}
It happened on an afternoon that found me with anxious nerves swirling in my belly.
I worried about the posts I wanted to write (or felt I needed to write) but couldn't carve out the time to type even one word.
There were comments and emails waiting for replies.
Invitations without a response.
These weighed on me.
Then I saw the note.
A note from my daughter.
This is what it said:
Just in case you can't read it, it says:
Dear Mom and Dad,
When we grow up, we'll remember that you weren't one of the parents that texted, cell phoned and laptoped all day and didn't spend any time with us.
We'll remember that you liked nutrition and trained us to like good food, too.
And most importantly, we'll remember that you raised us to love God.
We love you very much!
All the to-dos melted away.
These words were a gift to me.
And also a somber charge.
I hope I can be this mom.
I hope these will be her memories.
They can be if I hold true to the call to be intentional with my time. To focus on my children, my husband, my home.
The words were made even sweeter when she told me that the note was read aloud to her brother and sister. She asked them if they agreed.
They said, “Yes.” And proceeded to sign the note as well.
I'm keeping this one close and visible.
It's no small thing to be a mother.
I want to do it well.
I will fight the world (and myself) to do so.
that is so sweet……kid’s are amazing and God knew right when you needed to read that note…..
The note did come at the perfect time!
Such a treasure! Mine are “grown” – 25 and 22….and I keep a very special box of these notes and cards in a box by my bed…This carries meaning for you today, and will for years to come! Such a gift!
I love that you keep a box of notes and cards. What a treasure! Thanks for reminding me. I need to do a better job of keeping these things together so I don’t lose them.
P.S…..I loved that you shared it with us in her handwriting!
This brought tears to my eyes … May that be true of us both, dear one. I praise God that she shared her words.
I got a little teary reading it, too. I pray it be true, I pray it be true. For us both. Love to you, Hyacynth.
WOW!!! That ROCKS!!! And you can tell your kids thank you, because I totally needed that reminder. And that note is a totally framer. 🙂
Thanks, Brook. I think I will frame it!
This speaks to me so much this week. I’m expecting my second in 10 days and taking care of a toddler with a broken collarbone and I keep worrying about how I’m going to find time to write with all that is going on. This was a wonderful reminder that it doesn’t matter. Maybe I will find the time and maybe I won’t but I sure won’t push my kids aside to do it.
I said a prayer for you, Lisa. I hope you are able to do the things that you need to do and relax as you let go what you are not able to do right now. You have a lot going on. Blessings to you as you strive to take good care of your little one and best wishes for a safe delivery of your baby soon!
Frame it! Keep it in a special place just for you. When doubt creeps in pull that out. What an incredible testament to your parenting.
Thank you, May. I’ve decide I will frame it. Thanks for taking the time to encourage me.
I. Love. This. 🙂
Perhaps this makes my taking forever to respond to email a little more acceptable? 🙂
I love, love, love this. I love you and the wonderful sweet little children you are raising. Im so proud to be apart of this little family xo
Thank you, Em! Love you bunches.
Oh wow! That is so sweet. Priorities are so important.
Thanks, KM. I appreciate your comment. 🙂
sweetest thing ever. if this doesn’t inspire/encourage us digitally-minded moms, I don’t know what will. Thank you for sharing, Stacy.
I could not love this more. That is beautiful. It also makes me want to put down my computer. 🙂 Thanks for linking up today!
Hello there, I found you over at from my mountain view 🙂 What a fantastic post, it hits the spot doesn’t it, how precious and full of blessing. Tara (The Proverbs 31 Sanctuary)
Thanks for commenting, Tara. Yes, this little note is so precious and full of blessing! I keep thinking about it and reading it in order to keep me on track 🙂