Letters to My Daughters | My dear girls

Dearest Lillian and Sophia,

I have been watching the relationship you two have very closely. You see, myself and your Ti-Ti are about ten years apart give or take. You two have about 7 years between you and sometimes I recognize so much of my own sisterhood with your auntie and then there are days when I truly feel you two couldn’t be anymore different.  When your aunt was just a baby I took her on as my own living breathing baby doll. I cherished her.  I took her everywhere I went.  She was such a part of me. Little pieces of me in such a special package.  Naturally when I was pregnant with you, Lillian, some of that transferred right onto you from Ti-Ti as you were the exact same age difference as I was from her. I had kind of thought that may trickle right on down to you and your own baby sister.  Kind of like a special chain.  I have realized however that things wouldn’t be quite exactly the same.  Sure there are days when you proclaim “Princess Days” for Sophia. You dress her up and paint her nails.  You two take on the world, or at least your brothers together.  She is your perfect little playmate. But I also understand that at ten years old you like your space.  It can be challenging having your baby sister forever interested in your things.  I know there are times when you look away and other times when you just can’t ignore it.  I want to tell you as your mother that this is okay. You two are individuals. You are not me. Sophie is not Ti-Ti.  I can tell you somethings from experience though.  I love that you are both individuals and you embrace each other but are perfectly capable of being independent. When you two grow up you will be all the closer for that. Best friends at the very least.  I can tell you all this from the experience I have with my own baby sister.  I wasn’t perfect. Being a teenager when your auntie was just a small child there were moments when I came home to a flooded bedroom (Ti-Ti was found of playing “Barbie Jacuzzi” with her friend while I was out.) or finding my make up smeared on clothing or missing all together.  But as an adult now I truly covet her.  Our relationship and bond has grown stronger. And there is a bit of that same maternal instinct in your as there was in me at your age Lillian.  It will get easier.

Sophie I know it hurts sometimes when your sister gives you the cold shoulder. Know this too will pass. It isn’t personal darling. Take heart.  I see things you personally couldn’t. Like for instance the way your sister hovers and looks over you when you might be doing something you shouldn’t. You may think shes tattling but I see the tale times of genuine concern.  The way she holds your hand in public. The way she let’s you play dress up in her special clothes and sometimes gives you her favorite dolls when you play together. The way she runs to tell me something cute or funny you do and you can see the pride shining in her eyes.  Yes Sophie. She loves you and I have no doubt she would do just about anything for you.  You are a blessed little girl to have siblings that adore you and protect you. You aren’t just my baby. You are their baby as well.

Just know that God has chosen to give you a very special gift. Sisterhood is something I have always wanted for you Lillian so know that Sophie is an opportunity of a lifetime. You will never quite have friends like your siblings. Honor each other.  Most blessed of all though is me. I not only get to be your mommy I get to nurture you and watch you all grow apart and together.

I love you both so much,

Mama

Now please head on to my amazing friend Rashmi Pappu and read her beautiful letter!!!! You can find her HERE.