Since it is a special day for all mothers this week, I’d like to share with you a letter of a mother to her children to know what is in the heart of a mother when it comes to her children and why a mother deserves to be recognized as equally of a father. The letter goes this way:

My dearest little ones,

I am writing you this letter because there is so much that I want to say to you. I have tried to say it in person, but the words never seem to come out right. Life is hard. It is an ever winding road with twists and turns. There are speed bumps and potholes along the way, but I want you to be prepared. I want you to be sure that you have everything you in need in life. I am doing my best to provide you with that, but there are some things that I have come to realize that you will have to find for yourself. I can only tell you about them.

LOVE and AFFECTION - I loved each one of you from the very first time that I realized that I was carrying you in my womb. My heart filled with joy at each beat and kick. Then you were born. I used to hold you in my arms and rock you to sleep while singing whatever sweet tune filled my heart. I have tried to show you, with every breath, how much you mean to me. I have tried to give you affection and attention every day of your lives.

EDUCATION IS KEY - As you grew older, I sent you off to school. I prayed that whatever you learned in those classrooms, you would bring home and share with me so that I might be able to help you. I sat with you through hours of homework – even when it was stuff that I did not fully understand myself. I tried to work it out with you. I would sit and stare at your textbooks when you were not around so I could figure out every little detail of what you were having trouble with because I wanted to be able to take part in your learning process.

PROBLEMS IN LIFE - I have never been the best in problem solving. I have never been one that would stand up for myself when I should have. I let my problems get me down, but I have tried to teach each of you to be different from me. I want you to be strong, independent and confident. I want you to be better and bolder than I ever could have been. That way, when problems come into your life, you will be able to handle them with honor and decency. I want that for you.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS - Whatever inspires you in life, go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot reach your stars. If they were unreachable, they would not be yours. Just please be realistic about your hopes and dreams. Don’t aspire to be a singer if you can’t carry a tune. Your dreams are not going to fall into your lap. You will have to work hard to achieve them, but don’t give up. Don’t lose faith in yourself. Whatever it is that you want in life, you can have. You just have to believe that you are worthy to have it and don’t be afraid to go after it.

LOVE and HAPPINESS - I wish nothing but love and peace in your lives. I know that they will not always come, but know that it is possible. When you are old enough to find someone in life that you want to share all of your hope and dreams, failure and successes, laughter and tears, hold onto them. True love is fading away in this world. If fate leads you to it, don’t be afraid to take it and hold onto it.

TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT - There will always be someone in life that will treat you wrong. Take it with a grain of salt. It may leave a bitter taste in your mouth, but you can always spit it out later. Don’t let anger and hatred take you to places that you don’t want to go. If you fill yourself with these negative emotions, then you leave little or no room for anything positive.

REMEMBER THAT MOMMY LOVES YOU - Whatever and wherever you go in life, remember that your mother loves you. If there was one thing that I could do in life to shield anyone of you from one day’s harm, I would do it without hesitation. I would lay down my life just to make you smile, if that’s what it would take. I have struggled and sacrificed every day just to keep you happy and safe, and if I were able to go back and start my life again, I would not change a thing. I would gladly do it all over again for you. You are my reasons for getting up in the morning. You are the reasons why I try so hard in life. Without you, I would have no one to love. I just hope that you love at least a little. Well, that is all that I have to say for now. I hope that you read my words and know that you are loved. I hope that the joys you have given me in life may come back to you tenfold, and the sorrows that I have faced never come to you. These words are from my heart to yours. Take them and keep them in a special place inside of you.

Love always—your mother.

With this letter, I hope you appreciate your mother for everything she has done for you—the love, care and sacrifices. Whether living or deceased, she deserves to be truly recognized for the many great things she has done for you.

To all mothers, we give our honor and gratitude forever. May God continue to bless you all!