Things I want my kids to know.

I woke up this morning with the feeling that something had changed. Things are a little different now. I know something today that I didn't know about yesterday, and though I think it was intended to be welcoming or even exciting news (maybe to make the subject lighter), it's just not the case. Not right now anyway.

 I don't think I'm angry about it, just disappointed, upset and uncomfortable about the situation. I spent most of last night just thinking about it and other things that I've wanted to leave forgotten. It made me question things that I thought I'd known to be right for the past 28 years of my life.

But from all this, It's made me think more about my own family and children, how much I love and appreciate each one and about some important things I want them to know or never doubt about the parents they have.

 So this is what I want my kids to know...

I want you to know that you were wanted and loved before you were even born or even conceived. We have always wanted to be parents and we're so grateful that we've been given this gift and privilege of having children. We waited for each one of you with great anticipation and we thank god everyday for you.

I want you to know that you have a committed father and mother who make each other happy. A father and mother who love each other very much, who are each other's best friends, who are honest with one another, who respect each other and are equal partners. I want you to know that no argument or disagreement, finances, loss, differences or changing circumstances can change that.

Know that you come first. Above our own needs and wants. We make sacrifices for you because we want to, and because we love you. Know that we CHOOSE to make you our number one priority.

I want you to know that we love you unconditionally. We want and hope that you will always make good and wise choices, and live in a way that you are happy and confident with who you are because of those choices. With every choice comes a consequence, good or bad and we cannot escape them, they will come and you need to be accountable for them. But know that we will always be there with love and support for you when you come across challenges or lessons that come from making some mistakes. After all, no one is perfect.

And when we make mistakes, or do and say things you won't always approve of, know that it was done with your benefit and best interest in mind.

Most importantly, just want you to know, that we love each one of you more than life itself. Up to the sky and down again, infinite x infinite.