Dear Hayden,

There are few things I llke more than listening to or reading other mothers’ thoughts on motherhood. It’s amazing how universal this experience is, all the while being so individual, because I am the only one in the world who gets to mother you. Tonight I went to a lecture with one of my favorite authors, and she shared an exerpt from one of her books — it resonated with me so profoundly that I had to share it with you here:

I am your mother, the first mile of your road. Me and all my obvious and hidden limitations. That means that in addition to possibly wrecking you, I have the chance to give you what was given to me: a decent childhood, more good memories than bad, some values, a sense of tribe, a run at happiness. You can’t imagine how seriously I take that… mothering you is the first thing of consequence I have ever done.

I love you,
Mama