For her 18th birthday and graduation gift from me my daughter gets this old purple book. It doesn’t look like much and most people would think I was crazy.
In 2002 I started a journal for my daughter. She was about 18 months old and I decided I needed to write down the little every day moments we tend to forget over time. Not the big momentous times but the little every day things that get lost in our memories.
The first entry was a letter to her for her 18th birthday and graduation explaining why I was writing her the journal and if for any reason I couldn’t be with her that I had all kinds of visions of the kind of person she may be and what I hoped I could teach her along the way. Truth be told, I never pictured myself growing old. Since I was young I always thought I would die younger. I don’t know why it is just a belief I had. So, I wanted to be sure that no matter what that my daughter knew that I dearly loved her and how proud and happy I was to be her mom.
I just finished writing the last entry to her. I wanted to share a bit of it with all of you.
This is it girlie!
This will be the last entry I write.
I love you and though I know I was not the perfect mother I hope you know I always tried to do what was best for you. It is the last day of your childhood. I hope you are able to look back over time and have joyous happy memories to share. I hope that you can see the times of great learning, great joy, and great love for there were many.
I end this journal just as I began it … “If for any reason I am unable to be with you consider yourself hugged and loved with a deepness and breadth that only heaven can hold because I love you more than this world could understand. I am so proud of you, Angel. Whatever you do, where ever you go I am proud you are my daughter and I am privileged to be your mommy.”
What's for Dinner Moms? 
This is a beautiful gift, given directly from your heart, a lovely gift to be treasured
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Thank you.
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You brought tears to my eyes with this.
Such a heartfelt gift. It’s one I hope your daughter treasures for always.
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Great gift
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What a wonderful thing to have done, Marci. I am sure your daughter will treasure this amazing gift.
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Thank you so much!
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I cried. You are the coolest mom.
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Thank you. Now my kids may disagree. Haha.
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I have started journals for my older children. They will receive them after I pass (whenever that is). I like this idea. I think I may do this for my youngest. Good job. You gave her a book of love and memories. 🙂
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Thank you. I figure one day when she has children she will understand it more.
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Absolutely!
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This gave me goosebumps reading it. This is such a wonderful idea only a mother can have. Still having goosebumps. I am about to create something for my daughter too regarding her getting married in October. There are so many personal moments between her and me written deep in my heart from her first appearance on…
Again, your book idea touched me deeply.
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Thank you, Erika. I have a horrible memory and realized I was struggling to remember all the little day to day joys I had as a mom and wanted to remember them. The book was the only way I could think of and then it became when she is 18….
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And now this is a collection of memories for both of you. Beautiful!
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Shoulda warned me I’d need tissue! Oh, it’s beautiful, and I’m she’ll treasure it, and more so as she matures.
To your Girlie, Happy Birthday, and Congratulations for making it through High School! Many wonderful adventures await you!!
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You are so patient and enduring to keep it up for so long. Bravo and congratulations to Catherine.
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No better gift! xo
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Awww… what a sweet and beautiful gift. Your daughter will always have this book to treasure now. I am such a sucker for sentimental things, worth more than gold to me.
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Thank you! I am too.
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Oh my gosh you’ve made this crazy pregnant lady here bawl! So beautiful.
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Sorry I made you cry but thank you!
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What a great idea! 💜
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Thank you.
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What a wonderfully, thoughtful gift!
Congratulations!!
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Thank you!
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You are welcome! I love your idea!
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