Dear Breath-Giving Daughters,
It's International Women's Day today.
So, of course, this mama has been swirling around about what it means to be a woman, not just because we have physical uteruses, but because those uteruses represent that we are the ones who provide just the right environment for new life to be created, nourished, and birthed and then do that over and over and over again.
I see this play out in our laughter, tears and "heated" discussions about all the things that make the world go round, almost willing new life in the spaces that need it the most.
When I sat down to pen this letter, I planned to "tell you a thing or two" about what I hoped for you to become as a woman.
But, now that I'm here, pondering each of you anew, I realize that it's more about what you already do day after day for the world around you, and especially for me.
You breathe beauty and hope and strength and faith and life.
[inhale]
You have done for this ONE mama what I long to do for everyone. You have shown me that all it takes is ONE breath of GOODNESS at a time to infuse LIFE into another.
You breathe BEAUTY (not just the outward kind even though sometimes just glancing at you catches me off guard and I am dumbstruck). You each see the world through eyes that find the small things glorious, like the sand between your toes or “just the right” pair of pants that fit your very different bodies. You spend your days creating what’s lovely for hungry eyes and ears.
[inhale]
You breathe HOPE. Your zeal for making the world a place where there is “liberty and justice for ALL” (and that really means ALL) makes this mama heart do a happy dance. You adamantly believe that it starts with you and you are more than willing to figure out how to make it happen so that it ripples out into this broken and hurting world. WOW!
[inhale]
You breathe STRENGTH. Watching the two of you discuss really hard things from political reform to gender roles to spirituality to personal responsibility made me wish I could grow up in the beautiful world you envision. You do NOT shy away or disengage, but listen intently and respond with bold conviction. You are strong, my daughters.
[inhale]
You breathe FAITH. In a world where many of us (your mama included at times) seems to have lost its way, you continue to believe and trust. You believe and trust your ever-evolving selves (woohoo). You continue to see the best in others and take joy in loving them right where they are, walking alongside of them in humility and grace. The two of you have an unwavering anchor for your souls in sheer GOODNESS that is at the root of all that’s right and true and wonderful.
[inhale]
You breathe LIFE. Life in the form of a good morning hug and quick “I love you.” Life in the form of washing the dishes and saying “Take a break, Mom,” words I have been waiting your lifetimes to hear. Life in the form of abundant grace given when I falter and even fail. Life in the form of laughter over game-playing competitiveness. Life in the form of a sweaty yoga duet. Life in the form of heart-to-heart discussions about our individual and collective fears, hopes and dreams. Soul-filling LIFE.
[inhale]
So dearest ones, my beautiful girls, two of my closest friends, I salute you. I believe in you. I trust you. I am thankful for you from the tippy-top of my noggin’ to the very ends of my toes to the deepest space in my heart.
But mostly and always, I LOVE YOU.
[exhale]
Your very happy and grateful MAMA
P.S. I am now over here in the most beautiful and sacred puddle of good tears. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be the best kind of woman.