WONDEROAK

I know it feels a million years away. 

I know life is so chaotic right now it’s hard to imagine anything different. 

I know you’re doing your best, but sometimes you’re hanging on by a thread. 

I want you to know that all those unseen, unnoticed things that you do…it’s going to be worth it. 

Someday soon those unhinged dinners you’re barely surviving—the dropped food, the spilled drinks, the tears over a meal you worked hard on—they’re going to turn into cherished meals, lively conversations, and kids who are funny, witty, and insightful.

You’re barely surviving now, but someday, the table you’ve built will be the table you’d choose over any 5-star restaurant.

Someday soon, those bedtime negotiations with a child that acts surprised they have to go to bed every single night—the ever growing routine with special songs and butterfly kisses—the exhaustion as they call from their room for one more thing—it all will change. 

You will miss them when they’re out and you will cherish the nights you get to  watch your favorite shows], sharing popcorn. 

You will treasure the peace that only comes from having every one of your babies under your roof. 

Right now you’re just giving and giving and giving. 

You’re showing up.  Taking one for the team. Managing a million things and going a million miles to show your love. 

And sometimes you feel invisible. 

Often, it feels thankless.

But someday soon you will see the fruit of it.

You’ll see it in who they become. 

In their generosity. 

In the way they love you—and others—the way they’ve seen you love.

I know it seems a million miles away.

And if I’m honest, sometimes I wish it still seemed that way to me. .

Because one day,  you will wake up and realize you’re preparing for graduation. 

And you will know—deep in your heart— that every dinnertime meal, every bedtime, every exhausted night, every sacrifice…

Was the best thing you ever did. 

It will be worth it. 

That, I can promise you.