When I wrote the book, I dedicated it to my daughters. My role as their mom has been the greatest love of my life. So, when I received the following text from my eldest daughter, Angel, "I just finished your book," accompanied by a photo of her nightstand with a few tissues lying on it, I knew to sit down and become very present to the exchange.
Angel is an avid reader. We're talking at least one book per week, often two. So, I have been anxiously awaiting her thoughts on the book. Not only because she's my daughter, and I knew that some of what I wrote would be emotionally charged for her, but also because she is a critical reader whom I trust to offer meaningful feedback.
I sat there, almost holding my breath, as I impatiently stared at the three dots flowing...
And then I received a few paragraphs...
"Oh my word. It’s overwhelming. I should have taken notes. The one thing that constantly comes to mind is that I’m so grateful to you for breaking so many generational cycles. Knowing what childhood was like for you, as a mom, broke my heart. I can’t imagine it, and I never had to.
My kids won’t have to either.
If you never broke the cycles, we wouldn’t have had the childhood we had, and I would not be the mom I am today."
I closed my eyes for a moment here just to savor that sentiment, and I grabbed my own tissue.
She continued, "I really felt all of the emotions and laughed at the parts that I knew were so you because you’re my mom, and I know you differently than anyone else. Your famous quotes and how you’ve always said that when you’re not happy or in a bad place, help others.
The Dorothy sponsor/mentor revelation. So cool!
And your grief of losing Grandma Dorothy. Oof. The way she and Grandma went the same way. I just never realized how synchronistic it all is.
The full-circle moments at the end just come together so beautifully.
You really wrote a good book, Mom.
It all puts so many things into a new perspective. You’re just super cool, and I’m so proud and happy for you for accomplishing this."
I closed my eyes for a moment and let myself be with the tears, feeling gratitude for my life, my bond with my beautiful reader, and, yes, the accomplishment of publishing this first book.
Then, of course, I read her text at least five more times...
This is the most recent picture taken of Angel and I together on July 4th this year. It's not a great selfie, but I think it shows how happy we are just to be together.
She lives in Texas with her amazing husband and my two awesome grandchildren, so we only see each other every few months, but I'm so grateful for the bond we share and for the cycles that were healed to allow such a beautiful relationship.
