Dear sweet, beautiful girl…
When I first heard that you were dating my son, I may have rolled my eyes. It wasn’t anything against you, I promise. I just wasn’t into the possible drama that would ensue. I didn’t want my household dynamics to change. I didn’t want to lose time with him to someone else. Basically, I was selfish. I had a hard time believing anyone would be good enough for my son.
And then I met you.
The first time I saw the two of you together I knew you were a sweetheart. I could see the way you looked at my son, how you hung on his every word and how easily he made you laugh. I knew, at that very moment, it was my time to step aside.
My job as his Mama was to welcome you into my family with open arms. I pray I did that well.
Years ago, as I held that sweet little toe-headed boy in my arms and gently rocked him to sleep, I began praying for you. As I watched my son grow, I prayed that God would create a woman to love him just for who God made him to be, and that He would bring you both together in His timing. Oh, if you only knew how much you have been prayed for. I prayed for your protection, your purity and your heart. I prayed for a girl who would always love Jesus more than my son. That’s exactly what we got.
Throughout the years, I couldn’t possibly imagine another woman coming first in his life. He was my baby, my firstborn, my sweetheart, my bubby and will always be. But I never want you to think that because he is my heart and soul that I will always agree with the things he does. Know that if he hurts you or disrespects you, he will have me to answer to. And believe me, no one wants that. He has been shown by his Father and his Pap how to respectfully treat a woman and please have no doubt that he is being held to that same high standard.
As much as I try to be, I am not a perfect Mother. I will mess up. And sometimes those mess ups are real doozys. But please understand that when I do, I am more devastated then you could ever imagine. And if you ever feel like I have overstepped or hurt you in some way, I pray that you will sit me down and talk to me about it. Our relationship is very important to me, and I hope you never doubt that.
There are a few things I want to share with you today…
1. You are beautiful, don’t ever let anyone tell you different. Not only were you blessed with physical beauty, but you have a heart like no other. Always remember God gave us, as women, the gift of softness, femininity and beauty. It’s our responsibility to convey those with respect. Allow your appearance to reflect your pure and virtuous heart. Know your worth and reflect it on the outside.
2. This boy of mine. He is tenacious. He is faithful. He is generous. He is a spitfire. He is ridiculously stubborn. But, when he is in, he’s all in. You never have to doubt his commitment. He loves deeply, with everything that is in him. He is tenderhearted, in that hard, rugged way. But, I think you know all of that. Be careful with him. Your words have great power to build him up or to tear him down. Never forget the power you have. Proverbs 14:1 teaches us that “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” Yes, yes, and yes. That is a hard concept to grasp. I’m still trying to get it right after 24 years of marriage. Choose the good. Choose the joy. Choose the love. Choose tenderness and compassion. You’ll be blessed so much more with those.
3. You are a daughter of the King and a complete gift. Treat yourself with the respect that you deserve as a lady. Don’t unwrap the beauty of who you are for anyone. My son has been taught to do the same for you. Please protect your heart, your mind and your body. It will be worth it.
4. Remember to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength, and love your neighbors as yourself. These truths, combined with the strength of your wonderful character, have the power to change the world.
5. God has amazingly big plans for your life! Always follow His lead, even if that means taking the hard road. I promise, He will take you amazing places.
It takes a special girl to fit into our crazy. And somehow, you do it with ease. You walked into our lives and it felt like you were always there.
And watching the absolutely adorable relationship you have with his sister makes my Mama heart melt. You purposed to create a special bond with her. You two are more like sisters, minus the fighting over clothes thing. Thank you for loving my sweet girl, she thinks the world of you.
And thank you for loving me. Thank you for the thoughtfulness you put into the words you say. And the way that you say them. Your kindness is the sweetest. Your beautiful heart shines from your face.
Writing this, it might sound like I have it altogether. Would it surprise you to know I’m crying? Probably not, because that’s something we have in common. We’re both criers. And I know you have tears running down your face reading this.
It’s hard to have a boy so wonderful as mine and know you’ll have to give him up someday. My Mama heart will be breaking all around the edges. I’m being honest. But I know as sure as I sit here, tears rolling down my cheeks, that there’s no girl in the world I’d rather release him to…than you.
This. This is why. I’ve never seen my baby so happy. Ever. I’ve never watched him protect and love someone like he loves you. I’ve never watched someone make him a better man just by their presence. And I’ve never been more sure of God’s plan for his life than when I see the two of you together.
I love you, pretty girl. Thank you for sweetly loving my son.
Beautiful
You made me cry. I have a 1 year old boy and when I read this I started crying thinking of the future. How am I going to do that, let him go… release him to someone else. I have been praying since before he was born for his future wife, the one God has for him.