Gracie and Bee,
I know you’ve never heard of it, but there was this silly tagline to an even sillier movie that went something like, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” I think that’s a bunch of baloney. I think love means you do have to apologize, that you should want to apologize over and over again, even if the other person already knows how you feel.
I’m sorry that Cooper died. I’m even sorrier about how you found out. It was crummy of your dad to tell you just before he sent you off to school that your bestest friend in the whole wide world had died. (How exactly did he expect you to process that on your own?) And I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you on Monday night because I was playing Ex-games. I thought your dad was partly responsible for what happened to Cooper, and so I thought he should be the one to have to break the devastating news. Girls, if I had any idea of how badly he would bungle the job, I would have taken care of it myself, no matter how it would have killed me to say those words.
That’s it. I wanted to open my heart and let those two words – I’m sorry – escape from my lips to your ears. Usually on Love Thursday, moms and dads and ladies and men and all kinds of people write about random acts of kindness or messages of love they find all around them in their bloggy lives. Today I wanted to let my love take the form of this apology. Sometimes I’m going to bungle things, too. Doesn’t mean I don’t love you or that I’m not going to get it right one of these times. I always love you, and I will always keep trying, because with love comes faith. Right?
Happy Love Thursday, Gracie and Bee. If you wake up during the night, don’t worry. That’s just me checking on you again, tracing hearts on the outside of your pajamas and kissing your sleepy, dimpled cheeks.
Love, Mommy
Tags: children, death, divorce, Love Thursday, parenting, pets
April 30, 2009 at 8:03 am |
Oh… I’m sorry too! Having to tell your kids their pet has passed is so hard. I think your post is a true showing of a parents love.
Have a wonderful Love Thursday!
April 30, 2009 at 8:06 am |
poor kids. you are right, we all make mistakes in our parenting decisions and yes, it is okay to say sorry.
April 30, 2009 at 8:32 am |
Oh. ::tear:: That is so sweet.
April 30, 2009 at 8:34 am |
I’m so sorry to hear how they found out and you are right, saying I’m sorry is a big part of giving and receiving love! I’m glad you dedicated this love Thursday to your girls!
Have a happy and on-going Love Thursday!
April 30, 2009 at 8:43 am |
Katie –
That was beautiful and so true. Love mean more than ever having to say your sorry no matter how hard. Gracie and Bee are so lucky to have a mommy like you. Don’t you ever forget that.
April 30, 2009 at 12:38 pm |
Saying I’m Sorry is a humbling, necessary act to share with a loved one.
I am sorry that Cooper is gone. I hope their hearts heal quickly!!
Happy Love Thursday!
April 30, 2009 at 1:40 pm |
Saying sorry is very hard to do so actually saying it and admiting to not only yourself but to the “apologee” is even harder. So saying sorry actually means I Love You, especially and obviously in this case.
April 30, 2009 at 3:26 pm |
I remember that line from A Love Story and never thought it was quite right either. I’m sure your kids love you for yourself and your apologies. Happy Love Thursday to you and thanks for stopping by.
April 30, 2009 at 7:52 pm |
So sorry to hear about the situation. Sending positive vibes your way.
April 30, 2009 at 11:11 pm |
Such a tough thing. Kids are amazing and resilient. They’ll get through this – especially with your love.
May 1, 2009 at 11:59 am |
What a lovely letter and how sweet of you to share your heartfelt words and honest expression of a mother’s love for Love Thursday.
December 23, 2009 at 7:06 am |
[...] The Ex killed our dog, told me about it while I was at work, and told the girls just before sending them to school. [...]