A Letter to My Daughter

Originally a handwritten letter I made for my little girl on January 2010, but never had the chance to publish.   

Dearest Chestene,

I thought about writing you today because I’m missing you this very minute. I am here at work, and while doing the usual things that I do, my thoughts turned to you. I don’t know if it’s because you lost something again in school. I called the “Lost and Found” section and they already informed your teacher about it, in case they find your eyeglasses. Yes, Mamita told me about it.

I’m not mad, really. It’s just that I want you to be RESPONSIBLE in all aspects, at all times. I know it’s a very big word, but I want you to learn it early in life. When you grow up, you will realize how important it is.

But apart from that, today, I just want you to know that I love you—very much, more that anyone could love you today, tomorrow or any day in the future, because I will love you forever. Always remember that even when everybody else leaves you, I will stay and remain to be your best friend and number one fan for life.

Every night, when I look at your face while you are sleeping, I feel overwhelmingly blessed. Extremely blessed. I may not have all the riches in the world, but I have YOU— and that makes me far richer than the richest person in the world. I thank God all the time for bringing you into my life. I often ask Him, what  have I done to deserve such a precious and perfect gift? You are everything I wished for, everything I imagined, every single detail I asked Him for you to be, He has molded and beautifully created.

I just forgot to ask Him to give you clear eyesight, but don’t feel bad. Your eyes are brighter than anyone I know, for it serve as the window where the pureness of your heart shines. Like what I always tell you, it is not something that makes you imperfect in my eyes or in His, but just a slight reminder that you are human, and all humans each have a share of weakness in different forms that make us all unique.

You are beautiful, intelligent, funny, loving, kind, thoughtful, creative and all good things rolled into one. You can be whatever you want to be and so much more, so DREAM BIG. I know you will be the best that you can be. Live each day with the strong confidence and belief that you can achieve whatever you set your mind and heart on. You deserve only the best because you are worth it, so never settle for less.

You will always be my little girl, my precious one, my number one. I promise to do my best to give you the brightest future I could provide. You have so much ahead of you, so many beautiful things and blessings God has in store for you. I have always believed that you are destined to do great things. So live each day full of hope and enthusiasm. Just be patient and prayerful and everything that is meant for you will come in God’s perfect time.

I’m not sure if Mom’s adult talk is boring you already. Probably you are already waiting to be done with this so you can draw, read your books, or write stories. But you can keep this and read it again another day—next week, next month or next year, it doesn't really matter when. Because the words here that show what’s inside my heart, will never ever change.

I love you forever,

MOM

To My Child

Chestene's photo courtesy of Smart Parenting Magazine

I got this a long time ago from a friend through forwarded email. This poem was written by Sally Meyer for her son Dhylan, who was diagnosed with autism in 1995. I’ve been keeping this in my computer and whenever I get so busy, I read this over and over again to remind me of the most important person in my life – my child.

It is so easy to get lost in doing things that we deem important in day-to-day living. Work most especially, consumes majority of our time and it is really sad to miss out on seemingly negligible things that concern our children, because we are so busy working – beaming smiles, hug attacks, silly games, listening to endless whys, watching cartoons, eating candies and ice cream, playing pretend, reading stories, blowing bubbles… and every single thing that matters to them.

We neglect to share with them the things that make us a part of their world, while we are busy preparing a great future ahead of them.

I believe it is never too early or too late for anything. Please read on and pass this to other parents as well, if you wish. This is something really worth reflecting upon.

Did it bring tears to your eyes? Do share your thoughts.

TO MY CHILD

by Sally Meyer

Just for this morning, I am going to
smile when I see your face and laugh
when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you
choose what you want to wear,
and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to
step over the laundry and pick you up
and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the
dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to
put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug
the telephone and keep the computer off,
and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not
yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream
and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy
you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry
about what you are going to be when you grow up, or
second guess every decision I have made
where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you
help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you
trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us
to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can
have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you
in my arms and tell you a story about how you were
born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you
splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you
stay up late while we sit on the porch and count
all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle
beside you for hours, and miss
my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my
fingers through your hair as you pray,
I will simply be grateful that God has given me
the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers
who are searching for their missing children,
the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's
graves instead of their bedrooms.
The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming
inside that little body.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold
you a little tighter, a little longer.
It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for
nothing, except one more day…