22 Years Ago, On 9/11, A Mama Kissed Her Babies Goodnight For The Last Time

More Stories like:

“22 years ago, a mama kissed her babies goodnight for the very last time.

I imagine she wasn’t so different from me.

I imagine she was tired. And spent.

And overwhelmed by the stressors of daily life with a young family to care for.

I wonder if she rushed through baths and scrolled through her mental checklist while she was reading bedtime stories.

I wonder if she breathed a big sigh once she said the final Goodnights and fetched those last sippy cups of water.

I wonder if she murmured ‘Love you!’ distractedly as she closed the door behind her.

She had no idea what the next day would bring.

That the following morning, she would get on a plane or walk into a building,

And never come back.

So tonight, I’m asking you, mama.

Take a moment.

I know you’re tired. I know you’re at your wit’s end. I know it’s been one of those days.

But take just a moment, maybe after you’ve tucked your little ones into bed. Sneak back in if you have to.

Take a moment to look down at those babies you made. Just look at how beautiful and perfect they are.

Tell them they are brave and smart and kind and strong. That they can be whatever they want to be and more than anything else, you just want them to be happy in life.

And tell them that you love them with your whole heart, and you’ll never stop.

Not for an instant.

No matter what.

Because we never know what tomorrow will bring.”

Courtesy of Emily Solberg

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Emily Solberg of Shower Arguments. Follow Emily on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to our free email newsletter, Living Better—your ultimate guide for actionable insights, evidence backed advice, and captivating personal stories, propelling you forward to living a more fulfilling life.

Read more from Emily here:

‘She is smart and sassy. She’s fierce and always ten steps ahead. You pray she will one day know her worth.’: Girl mom says ‘what a privilege it is to raise a little girl’

‘We are sick and tired of this and sick and tired of each other. And yet, I’m nowhere near ready to leave my cocoon.’: Woman urges ‘hold onto hope’ during pandemic

‘Your future husband is 2 years old. Will he tell me, ‘Mom, she’s the one!’? It’s hard to believe my place as his mother will be eclipsed by your place as his wife.’

Do you know someone who could benefit from this story? Please SHARE on Facebook or Twitter.

 Share  Tweet