Bella.
They say there is no greater love than the love that a mother feels.
A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and best friend. A mother is someone who puts the needs of their children first. Being a mother means being there every day to teach you important rules and roles of life, to equip you with the knowledge and skills to make it as a good person and to help guide you in times of need. Being a mother is perhaps the hardest, yet, rewarding job someone could ever have and I feel so blessed that I get to be yours.
Oh baby girl, where have the years gone? In reality, you haven’t been a baby for a long time, but you will always be my little one.
It seems like yesterday and forever ago that I first held you in my arms the day you were born. I was in labour with you for only a few hours and when you finally made your grand entrance into this world you were so tiny and perfect. Many mothers often question how after your first child you can love another as much but you don’t halve your love, you double it. You are undeniably one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me and I love you beyond words.
Dressed in her own little nurses outfit, your sister was one of the first people to meet you. She had been waiting for your arrival but soon realised that you were just a small baby and didn’t do much, something that we had tried to explain to her when she was convinced you would be a play mate from day 1.Your name also wasn't to her liking at first so she renamed you ‘Glitter.’ A name that stuck for quite a few weeks. Life had changed again and now I had two beautiful girls to love and protect.
The physical demands of looking after two small humans was tiring and challenging at times. Having you both changed the way I viewed life forever. I am your protector and I love you with every thing I have, completely, totally & unconditionally.
Being your Mum is the most wonderful thing that could have happened to me. There have been tough days in the past and I do not dispute that there may lay tough moments ahead. But, these are such minor moments when you think of the amount of joy you bring to my life.
You have always had lots of energy and a cheeky smile - a sign from an early age that you were going to keep me on my toes. There have been days and still are when I wonder how you can keep going with all that energy and thoughts of these days exhaust me! Nan always said from the moment you could speak that you were the wild one and of course Nan is always right!
There is no official guidebook to being a Mum, you just have to do what feels right at the time and hope for the best. You have to try and balance setting boundaries with providing enough freedom so you can discover life—and all its rights, wrongs and shades of grey. I hope I am doing ok.
Now, once again I prepare myself for this moment and once again it has crept upon me so fast.
Over the last 11 years I have learnt so much from you. Your laid-back attitude, your deep loving heart, your strength, your humour and personality and your focus when you put your mind to it.
So many milestones have passed: Your first smile, sitting up and how proud you were of yourself with your first steps, pausing every time we stopped clapping then starting again when we continued. Writing your name for the first time, the confidence you had when you ran straight into preschool on your first day and waving goodbye to you on your first day in reception.
When I look back, I don’t really know where all these years have gone. We have so many memories and each day my heart grows for you. Having the honour of calling you my daughter is the best gift I could have been blessed with.
This year has been so challenging for so many reasons and you and your friends have missed so much socially and in school with the lockdowns. Not spending time with friends and family is hard but you have tried your best to keep going. We learn every day and it never stops. Life is a journey and each day gives us another opportunity to learn and explore new things.
You have grown up surrounded by love from so many and I hope you never lose your drive to succeed in all that you want to do. Remember success is not how much money you make or the things you have. Success is measured and is different for everyone. Not only are you a thoughtful soul, but you have a huge heart. You bring so much sunshine and happiness to people and this shines through every single day. This is one of the best things you could ever have.
And now we’re coming to the end of the most significant period of your life so far. You stand before me on your last day of junior school.
I watch in amazement at the inspiring, compassionate, resilient, thoughtful, beautiful young woman you have become. As a child you will laugh, but as a mother these moments are emotional. Rest assured this emotion is full of life, joy and wonderful memories. It is also the anticipation of the amazing journey that still lies ahead of you. Bella, you are destined for great things. Since you were small you have chosen to march to the beat of your own drum. You are independent and strong. Never stop igniting your dreams.
Most importantly, my wish for you is that you are happy in all that you choose to do and as you grow up into a young woman you always remember how much you mean to me. I hope that you always feel loved, protected and I hope that I am always able to offer you the best opportunities, experience, support, guidance and advice that I can. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and my heart fills with pride and love when I see what a wonderful young lady you have become.
Your future is a blank canvas and it is waiting for you to create great things. You can achieve whatever you choose.
But please just remember how ever old you get…I will always love you to the moon and back
Mum xXx
