My little boy will be starting kindergarten. I know that this is a significant milestone for him and I, but I also recognize that it marks the end of an era for you.

You have spent the last five years caring for Beau and your commitment to us has been invaluable. It’s hard for me to convey the depths of my gratitude and appreciation for everything you have done.

Shortly after Beau was born, you graciously volunteered to provide child care. As an anxious and unknowing new mom, your offer rendered a peace of mind beyond compare. I’m not sure if I ever fully divulged how severe my postpartum anxiety was, but I truly don’t think I would have been able to navigate going back to work without you. You instilled a peace and calm in the chaos that was my hormonal postpartum brain. You assured me that my son would be safe and cared for while I returned to work.

You warmed bottles of breast milk while stepping over dogs with a crying baby delicately draped over your shoulder. You hummed nursery rhymes with an unmatched tenacity and never once showed signs of frustration no matter how fussy Beau could be. You changed diapers that could peel the paint off a wall and cleaned messes that were never your responsibility.

I don’t know how many times you read, “Go Dog Go” or “No David” but I’m pretty sure you could recite them by memory. It never mattered how cramped your toes were that morning or how defeated Parkinson’s had you feeling that day, you seldom denied an offer to get down on the floor to play legos. You could probably name the make and model of each of Beau’s matchbox cars, likely because you purchased the majority of them and I think it’s safe to assume that you even have a favorite dinosaur to play with.

There are days I knew you were tired and wanted nothing more than to stay in bed. I knew you were aching from the day before from bending over to color with chalk. I knew there were times you just wanted do your crosswords in peace, but Beau’s demands for chocolate milk and strawberries never failed to interrupt. I knew there were days you were exhausted and couldn’t wait to go home and take a nap. Despite it all, your care and attention to Beau remained unwavering. He knew nothing but unconditional love from you, no matter what kind of day you were having.

Beau never had to navigate the trials of babysitters and day care, because you provided him with the sanctuary of home. Most days he didn’t even have to put pants on. He never had to conform to my schedule or be hurried out of the house in the morning because you came to us. Most days you were the first person Beau would see upon waking up. You kissed boo boos and wiped tears in a way that only a grandmother could. You filled our home with warmth and tender I love you’s. You gave my baby a safe space to grow and be nurtured. You saved us thousands of dollars on child care but the gift of your time and love is truly invaluable.

We have gotten to know each other more intimately in these last five years. You’ve seen me in my most vulnerable state, most likely with a boob hanging out of my nursing bra and a mortifying stack of dishes in the sink. You’ve not only wiped Beau’s tears, but many of my own as well. There were days where your car would pull in front of our house like a chariot carrying my knight in shining armor. I can’t tell you how many times your presence has offered me peace and salvation. You have been a lifeline to me as I navigate the ebbs and flows of motherhood. I’ll never take for granted our daily chats and vent sessions which mostly entailed me pouring my heart out to you. I can’t thank you enough for never making me feel judged or looked down upon no matter how messy the house was or completely erratic I was feeling. You’ve always made me feel validated, loved and supported as if I were your own. I am so lucky to know what it feels to be loved by you.

I’ve tried my best to express my love and appreciation for all that you have done for us, but I think it’s impossible to adequately convey. You have given us the gift of a lifetime and I will continue trying to show you how much that really means to me. You are a one of a kind person who loves with your whole heart. You are fiercely loyal and dedicated to your family. My only hope for you and me is that I can give you more grand babies to bask in the beauty of your love.

Thank you Mom ❤️