Dear Amazing Selfless Woman,
Do you know how much I love you? Do you know how much my children love you? Do you know that I could not do what I do without you in our lives?
It’s unlikely you even think about these things because let’s face it: you are undoubtedly one of the most selfless and caring individuals I have ever met. Day in and day out you go above and beyond for tiny humans who do not belong to you, but to whom you gently mother from 9am – 5pm.
Your days are filled with things that I could not imagine doing for children who are not my own. You are chasing angst filled toddlers, wiping noses, helping with potty breaks, changing diapers, feeding hungry bellies, teaching life lessons about sharing and kindness, sharing neighborhood walks and park visits, giving cuddles when my babies are sick and kissing boo boos when I’m not there.
Saying a simple “thank you” just doesn’t seem to suffice. How could I ever fully thank the woman who cares for my children when I can’t? You are there when I have to be gone and I couldn’t be more grateful they have a person like you in their lives to guide them, shape them and keep them happy while I am at work all day.
On the days I drop off a feisty, teething one-year-old and an angry two-year-old who is mad he has to be there, you so gently nudge them in the door and say, “They’ll be okay.” Just like that. Not a hint of aggravation in your voice, not a shimmer of annoyance. You love them even when they are quite unlovable.
And while we’re being honest it’s safe to say that working and being gone from my children isn’t an easy choice I make everyday. I choose it because I have to and not always because I want to. But knowing that I have you to care for my little ones and nurture them while I’m away eases the burden on my already heavily burdened shoulders.
The guilt I have lessens a bit knowing that you are providing the best care I could ever ask for in this situation. I’m constantly questioning if I’m doing the right thing by working full-time and leaving them in someone else’s care because isn’t their mother the best care taker they could have? But my children are loved by you (and your family) as if they were your own, they go to a clean and fun environment every day to learn and play with their friends and knowing that releases my guilt on those really hard days.
On the days I have to work late or the weekends I have to travel you accommodate us and our schedules with no second guessing or hesitation. You are readily available to take on the extra hours and days with them without a thought. My appreciation could move mountains because there’s simply no way our life would function so smoothly as it does without you in it.
Thank you from the depths of my heart for loving, hugging and caring for my children every day like you do. You make my life as a working mom a little easier by being a part of our village. I will never have enough words to express my gratitude, but I hope you know how irreplaceable you truly are and what a lasting impact you have made on our lives. We love you.
Sincerely,
A Working Mom
**A note from the writer
Since writing this I have become a stay at home parent, however, my heart and passion toward working parents and all those who make it possible for working parents to do what they do has not changed.
