I Just Want You to Know_ Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith, and Family - Kate Gosselin [36]
I want you to remember an old saying, one that has guided me in life and urged me on: “Quitters never win and winners never quit.” If you always remember to finish the job, do your best, and never give up, you will succeed in life. Sometimes your best does not mean receiving a first place ribbon; but if you’ve done your personal best, it will translate that way in my eyes—and in yours too. Just don’t quit!
Over the last months and year, our family life has changed. I want you to know that regardless of our family makeup or changes, my love for you will never change. I do not possess the skills to “father” you, but I will do everything I can to show you the way. I want to help you grow into a man of integrity—one that will be respected by others due to your undying dedication to your family, your honesty, and your determination in life. You are one of three “men” in my life, Aaden, and I appreciate the protection and help you and your brothers have already shown me and your sisters. So remarkable!
My hope is that you will have a successful career, loving family, and happiness always. I pray that as you grow, you will possess knowledge and wisdom beyond your years to help you navigate all the tricky paths that will no doubt face you. One thing is for sure: I will be next to you to answer your questions and guide you. Please come to me with anything—but especially concerns and issues that you face. Life will not be easy, but it is manageable and enjoyable if you always choose to see the bright side of life and ask advice from trusted family and friends when you need it. I love you, my oldest son, with all of my heart. This will never change!
Love forever and always, no matter what,
Mommy
9
MILESTONES
A lot of firsts occurred in the Elizabethtown house, and many of them had to do with the kids learning to be independent and growing up. Whether it was potty training or sending the girls off to school, my job was to help them take on the world outside of our home. They were learning to help around the house to contribute to the family. Sometimes the results of their independence were hilarious as they learned to do things on their own. Sometimes they were bittersweet. And sometimes they were downright right messy! While I couldn’t wait for their independence and did all I could to encourage it, sometimes it was still hard to see them letting go.
From my perspective, home is a model of the world. It’s the testing ground before releasing children to be on their own someday. We need to keep sight of these long-term goals, and two years old is not too early to start.
We organized the basement in such a way that all the kids could help clean up their toys. We made sure they could also follow simple instructions: Can you take this to the laundry room? Can you throw the diapers out? They also had to learn early how to respect each others’ property. Their beds were their only personal space, so they were not allowed to touch anyone else’s things that were in their respective beds. Their other toys were shared.
I enjoyed the milestones of them getting older. Each milestone meant one less thing we needed to do eight times. Put on your shoes and Velcro them. Put on your jacket. Make your bed. Pick up your toys. Clean up your own mess. It’s not that I minded doing things for them; it’s just that it was easier when they could do some themselves.
Because Mady and Cara were the big sisters, they learned to help care for the younger ones at an early age. They were helpful and kind, from helping put groceries away to handing out juice cups. They taught themselves how to read at the age of four, and now have an entire class to play with—and absolutely love being the teachers. They love to pass out spelling tests, grade them, and provide report cards.
One of the first times