As my 88-year-old mother tries to recover from from two major surgeries, two extended stays in rehab, and many confusing hours trying to understand what is happening to her, I am doing my own version of soul searching and recovery.

Life is short. And sometimes healing is long. Today, I experienced a miracle. Grace knocked today, and I chose to let “her” in. This letter to my Mother has been years in the making. And today it arrived.

Trust the process. Trust the healing. Believe in your own beautiful heart.

With these words in my head, I am choosing to trust my voice, and pray that this healing swiftly arrives at my Mother’s door, too.

Thank yOu for giving me life. Without yOu, I would not be living and loving my beautiful, amazing and miracle-filled life.

Thank yOu for receiving me into your body and giving me the cells needed for me to come into being. Thank yOu for giving me time and room to grow. You gave me everything I needed.

My body and mind grew because of yOu. I got nourishment because of yOu. I was taken care of because of yOu.

I learned to feed myself, clothe myself, tie my shoes and read because of yOu. My brain developed with a zest for learning because of yOu. I have an artist’s view of the world because of yOu. Thank yOu for helping me become who I am.

As much as I have strived for it, I have finally learned that there is no such thing as perfect. The truth is, being authentically human is so much better than being perfect. Who knew?

Thank yOu, Mom, for being brave enough to bring me into this world. Thank yOu for being brave enough to love me, hope for me and carry me. Thank yOu for your patience with me. And thank yOu for setting me free.

Please, also know, that yOu have done enough.

You have worked enough.

You have strived enough.

You have given enough.

But most importantly, I want yOu to know that yOu’re enough. Without a doubt, I know now, that yOu ARE enough – and yOu have always been enough. I’m sorry it has taken me this long to realize that.

I wish for yOu peace, and healing and comfort.

You can relax and smile, Sweet Mother.

 You are enough.

Your loving, growing, sometimes stubborn, always learning daughter, Vicki