I will start with saying parenting is not an easy job. Regardless of rather you have a partner or a village, it is exasperating, never ending, and can leave you in tears from disappointment or worry, to tears from laughing so hard! As a mother of four adult children, which three of them being triplets, 32 and a younger one, 27, I have stories! The triplets were a result of fertility and born at 27 weeks gestation, weighing in under 2lbs. each. We were told the boys were not going to make but over the next 11 months we finally had all three home from the NICU. We were definitely overwhelmed emotionally, physically and financially! We were blessed, and we were done! Well, not quite 5 years later, I found out I was pregnant. I cried the whole pregnancy. I thought of my sister who could not have kids, "should I give this baby to her?". Then I would cry more!! I tell you this story, because of course I did give birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl. Over the years, there were many ups and downs with the triplets, and that fourth child just always seemed to be there and brought a ray of sunshine to all of us. Having two handicapped siblings was not easy and she had to grow up fast . Now at 27, I share this story with you because I wish I could tell you what I did right, but I have no idea! I think of those months I sat and cried because I did not want her. When I was told I had cancer a few years ago, here is the letter she gave me that brought such joy to my heart and made me think how the tables had reversed and how I have learned so much from her. Gifts such as this letter are what inspire me and when I start to doubt my worth or one of my kids and their "decision" process, this letter gives me peace. I hope it will inspire and give hope when you think this parenting thing is just too much and you wonder how you can go on. Remember one day they will thank you so there is hope! Enjoy!

Dear the best mom (& human)in the whole entire world,

Thank you for loving and supporting me in every moment of my life. I write notes to you thanking you all the time, but I hope you truly feel and believe how much I love, admire and respect you. Whenever people ask me about my family, I immediately say, "OMG my mom is a saint, she is a super human and my best friend". I know life hasn't been easy nor have any of us made it easier, but God never promised us an easy carefree life. I admire your perseverance

and drivel You truly are an incredible human whether you realize it or not. In the midst of everything that goes on every day, you remain a steadfast child of Christ. You don't even realize how many hats you wear throughout the day. Sometimes I wish you could see yourself through my or Dad's eyes, because you are inspiring! I will always love you, admire, respect and support you mom. I hope this note made you smile and thank you for always choosing to roll around on scooters being silly with me over doing work that you know will have to be done late into the night. You are the best Momma!!! I love you!