Kiki and Hippo,
When I look at you, I see so much more than a tattered and well worn exterior.
You have been with my girls since day 1. Search and rescue efforts have taken place to recover you at bedtime to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. You have been through a few traumatic laundry cycles after a bout with the stomach flu or a tragic fall (or 3) into a mud puddle. You have been sewn back together in order to keep your stuffing or tail intact. You have collected many tears, been spit up on, and worn fancy dresses for various tea parties. You have traveled with us on every family vacation, been a plus 1 at slumber parties, and even appeared in our family pictures.
You have been a partner on this journey with me, but more than that, you are a picture of the resiliency of motherhood.
From the messy early years to the ever changing roller coaster ride called ‘raising teenagers’. You have been there every step of the way with me and for my girls.
We have a lot in common, you and I. Motherhood is a continuous loop of drying the tears, cleaning up the messes, bandaging the knees, getting spit up on, having unidentified sticky stuff in my hair, and going to great lengths (or long drives around the block) to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
When I look in the mirror, I too see the worn tattered signs of 23 years of motherhood. The dark circles around my eyes from walking the floor when they were infants to the sleepless nights waiting for them to come home safe when they were teenagers. The wrinkles on my forehead from worry and the laugh lines around my eyes and mouth that remind me of the joy that filled our home.
Motherhood is a series of moments filled with seasons of reflection. Some moments take my breath away, some are moments of regret, and some are filled with pride, but my favorite are the moments full of overwhelming gratitude.
Thank you Kiki and Hippo for being their constant companions, for comforting them in the quiet moments, and for loving them well. Thank you for showing me that despite the wear on my fur and the flaws in my journey, motherhood, with all its imperfections, is at the core unconditional love and something to be cherished.
Love,
Mom
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