Word to my mother!

Dear Mom,

I wish I could be there when you realize that your favorite (okay, and only) daughter is writing a letter to you ON THE INTERNET. Heaven forbid! Anyhow, I just wanted to thank you for being an awesome mom to me for these past almost twnty-one years. From you, I’ve inherited a love for the library, atrocious handwriting, common sense, a complete lack of coordination, and let’s not forget my striking good looks. You’ve taught me many important lessons, including (but not limited to) the following:

1. You can do everything, you just can’t do everything at once.
2. Nobody ever died from not being able to fall asleep. (Actually, this isn’t true, but it got me through many a sleepless night in my youth.)
3. Find people who are not only good to you, but good for you.
4. You’ve got to get up every morning and show the world all the love in your heart. (Technically, this belongs to Carole King, but it wouldn’t be a letter to you without acknowledging our mutual love of the best female singer/songwriter out there.)
5. You’ll want to wear a slip under that skirt.
6. Also, nylons. (Well, at least I follow #5.)
7. You don’t need to measure out everything in the recipe exactly.
8. Nothing quite makes a home like fresh flowers do.
9. Beauty is pain. There’s no getting around it.
10. Do things that help restore your soul.

The year I came up for my sophomore year, you mailed me a piece of paper the size of an index card. It reads: “Love learning! Eat well! Be happy! Be healthy! Laugh lots! Always remember—you are loved!” I’ve kept that card by my bed ever since and tried hard to follow the rules listed. Really, I don’t think there’s much more anyone can ask for in this life.

I love you!

Love,
Gretchen

P.S. Someday we’ll go to Italy together—I just know it.