the letter I should have written...

​​It may sound cliché but as we all know there are certain people who come into our lives and make it a better place. Individuals who are insanely positive, who influence you to be your best, whose creativity leave you in awe or those whose simple presence brings a calming or quiet confidence to any situation. A person who makes you better just by knowing them!
 
I have been blessed to have known a truly extraordinary woman during one of those important periods in my life. She was a wonderful person who not only became an unexpected mentor to me but was also an inspiring and positive influence on both of my children.

This amazing woman recently passed and it was a fast decent that none of us expected. When she took a leave from our Day Care, I told myself that I was going to write her a letter to share with her how important she was to me personally, to my family, and most importantly, to my girls and their growth, happiness and development. But I didn’t. I let life get busy and I wrestle with the regret of not writing that letter every day.
 
So today, I’m sending that letter and I’m hopeful she’ll have an internet connection up in those big fluffy clouds.
 
More importantly, I have learned my lesson to make sure that I make it a priority to ensure those important people in my life know they are loved. To not let life get so busy that I don’t make time to thank or appreciate those that make living so wonderful.

I hope that you too will not lose a moment like I did and take today to tell those special people around you how truly important they are to you. 

Dear N----,
 
We miss not seeing your smiling face at Day Care each morning. The girls both have you in their prayers and
​the whole family is wishing for a speedy recovery.
 
I also wanted to take this moment to write you a note because your absence is palpable. With your noticeable absence, I’ve had time to realize how truly amazing you have been to not only me personally but also with the girls.
 
Like most mothers, the first day of school was fraught with trepidation and fear. I brought G very apprehensively to the Day Care—worried that her bright spirit might not be stoked or fed while away from me. I have always valued positivity and creativity with my children and I didn’t know if that emphasis would be fostered. I couldn’t have been more wrong and my daughter couldn’t have thrived more than with you. She continues to love crafts and writing and drawing pictures for others, and I know you helped inspire this in her. I know you kept her busy and happy and inspired each day.
 
M on the other hand, was a very different child and one that needed someone to be her Champion—you so effortlessly took up the charge! And even though, I thought you were a perfect match for my first child, you were even more of an ambassador and positive role model for my second. You saw the best in her, even in her most challenging moments and when she returned home each day she had a sparkle that I know you encouraged and cultivated.
 
And most importantly, for me—you were a mentor, confidant and cheerleader for a mom who at times, didn’t have a clue. You encouraged me through humor, you offered advice without judgement and you quietly rooted for me every day and it has helped make me the parent I am today!
 
I want you to know how truly important you were to me and I thank you for the energy, enthusiasm, humor, love and compassion you brought to work each day. My girls will be forever better for knowing you. I will be forever better for knowing you.
 
Sending Love,
Natalie