A Thanksgiving Letter from Your Baby

A Thanksgiving Letter from Your Baby

Dear Mom,

I know I’m little, and I’m not talking just yet,
But I already have important things to say.

I know you don’t hear these words enough…
But thank you.

Even though I don’t have the words,
I hope you catch the many ways I say it all day long.

It’s dark.
I’ve just woken up and I’m alone.
So I cry—for help, for love, for you.
You come. You open the door.
Your arms wrap around me,
Your voice soothes me.
I melt into you, safe and warm.

This is my “thank you.”

It’s dinnertime.
You put something new on my tray.
It’s exciting. It’s delicious.
I light up with joy and look right at you,
Slapping the tray and giggling with glee.

This is my “thank you.”

I fell down again.
Gravity is still new to me.
The sting of pain surprises me.
I cry.
But then—
You pick me up.
You hold me close.
Your calm voice makes the pain less scary.
I feel safe again.

This is my “thank you.”

My diaper is dirty.
I don’t like how it feels.
But I also don’t like the cold, or staying still.
I squirm. I fuss.
You wrestle me like a little alligator,
And somehow still get me clean and dry.
I crawl away smiling, knowing you’ll always take care of me.

This is my “thank you.”

I can’t say the word “gratitude” yet,
But I feel it.
Deep in my belly.
Deep in my bones.
Deep in my heart.

I know you’re hard on yourself.
I see you focusing on the moments where you think you fall short.
But I don’t.
I feel the millions of ways you show up:
When you hold me…
Feed me…
Comfort me…
Keep me warm and dry…
Smile at me…
Notice me…
Love me.

I feel it all.

And I’m storing it in the safest part of my little heart.

One day, before you know it,
I’ll have the words to say it out loud.
But until then…
Please don’t miss the way I say it in my own way.

I love you, Mom.

Thank you.

Love,
Your baby