I Just Want You to Know_ Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith, and Family - Kate Gosselin [30]
As an infant, you looked like a doll baby that I had purchased at the store. Really, you did! All of your little infant rolls were in just the right spots. You had perfectly round rosy cheeks, deep earnest brown eyes, and just the right amount of dark brown hair. As you have grown, you have taken on an exotic appearance. When you smile, the world lights up with you. Once when we visited Hawaii (remember all the fun?), a friend remarked that if we “left Hannah in Hawaii, she’d blend right in.” You were too precious to leave behind, of course, so naturally we brought our little Miss Hawaii home with us.
I have enjoyed watching you grow. Even at five years old, I see who you are. You are a unique, bright, and honest little girl who is caring and loving. You are helpful and independent. You have a strong inner strength and much ability to succeed.
Over the last few years our family has changed, and this has caused pain and doubt in you. It has shaken you as it has shaken each of us. This is all expected and normal as we learn to create a new family unit and navigate these differences. I want you to know that although our family life has changed, my love for you will never ever change. I am still the “same mommy,” as I frequently remind you and your brothers and sisters, and I always will be. Our structure may appear and feel different, but my goals as your mommy have not changed in any way.
I want to help you, Hannah. And I want you to learn early on a lesson that I did not learn early enough: Accept help where you need it. Make yourself humble and realize that support and care from friends and family—and sometimes people you have never met—will help you survive and succeed. Sometimes the best support comes when we least expect it from someone who we would least suspect to give it. These are angels that God sends our way to light our paths.
In return, always be vigilant, watching for others that need your help. Reach out to them, even when it’s inconvenient to you, and offer your assistance. Everyone benefits from offers of help. Sometimes your help may mean the difference between existing and really living. If everyone remembered these lessons (that took me a long time to learn!), our world would be full of love and life!
I dream for you a life filled with love, a satisfying career, and family. My hope is that you learn to love God and rely on him for your needs. People will always fail you, but God never will. I assure you of this. I’ll always be here for you, Hannah. I am honored to call myself your mom.
Wherever life takes you, I’ll go with you helping you however I possibly can. As long as I have breath, I’ll love you, support you, instruct you, and guide you every step of the way.
Love forever and always, no matter what,
Mommy
7
TOWER OF BABEL
In our house when everyone started talking, it was like the Tower of Babel—a noisy Tower of Babel. Everyone was trying to be heard, but when I couldn’t understand eight out of ten words, everyone became frustrated. As twins, Mady and Cara have always been glued together and communicated with each other very well. When the little kids started talking, they tried to communicate with me, but not really between themselves, aside from Hannah and Leah.
Hannah and Leah were the first talkers and they translated as well as spoke for the group.
“Hannah, what does he want?”
“Mommy, he wants milk on his cereal.”
Mady and Cara also translated for the little kids. Cara’s translation was accurate; Mady’s translation was what she wanted them to say. And she made it sound so good!
Collin spoke a lot, but I