Dearest Daughter,
Mother’s Day and your college graduation are just a few days apart, which has me reflecting on our mother/daughter bond. You and this huge milestone are gifts that make me extremely proud. It makes me think of gifts from your heritage. You are only the second generation from my family to graduate from college. You may remember the closure that ended each mother/daughter class that we took at the Unitarian Church when you were a young girl. “I am Connie Lee, daughter of Jimmie Dee, daughter of Jimmie Corrine, daughter of Minnie Mae; mother of Jade Lee-Mei.” You have inherited a beautiful legacy of mother/daughter connection.
Mothers and daughters, our maternal lineage
I am grateful that your Nana has been such a part of your life. You already know that you have feisty, quirky, and funny DNA coursing through your veins. I have sweet memories of my Maw Maw. I remember being rocked by her on their front porch and her singing the lullaby “Hush Little Baby”. And I’ve heard similar sweet memories from Nana of her grandmother, Minnie Mae. It’s important for you to know that you come from a heritage of love.
That legacy includes the wonderful Dads in your lineage too. Even if your memories of your grandfather are vague, you’ve been raised with stories about him and your great grandfather too. If you ever wonder what your great grandfather was like, look no further than your Uncle Dudley. The warmth, love of family, wicked sense of humor, and even his looks were inherited from his dad, your great grandfather.
When you were little, you loved to look in my jewelry box and ask me if the jewelry was going to be yours someday. For your graduation gift I am giving you a piece of jewelry that is part of your heritage. It is yours; to keep, or wear, or sell, or save to pass on to a daughter you may have someday. It is the ring my grandfather gave me when I graduated from LSU.
Your ring in the box that held your grandmother’s engagement ring.
You know this ring as my engagement ring. Because this ring meant so much to me, your Dad added the diamonds and we made it the ring that would represent our marriage. Your Dad and I may not be married anymore, but you do know that our love for you has never faltered. We have always believed in your abilities and your dreams. You were born to parents who planned for you and who wanted you, when we were young, happy and in love. That’s what this ring represents and it is now yours.
I am proud of the woman you’ve become. Congratulations on your college graduation milestone. Your adult life is just beginning. During the ups and downs of where your life will take you, always know that you come from a circle of love.
Love, Mom
I love that you gave her the ring. Just lovely.
Carol
http://www.carolcassara.com
Thanks Carol. She loved it.
This is just beautiful! I love that you gave her your ring, what a meaningful, gorgeous gift! Congratulations to you and your daughter!
Thanks Kathy, she said when she put it on her own finger, I’ve always loved this ring.
This is such a lovely gift! There’s nothing more sentimental to me than the jewelry given to me by my mother and grandmother, except for my wedding rings.
When she read this letter, she teared up and said it was a perfect gift. I was so glad that I got the response I had hoped for.
Connie, what a beautiful gift. Your daughter will have this lovely letter and a beautiful ring to remember this important milestone. Well done. Hugs.
Lisa, the letter you wrote to your son was my inspiration.
What a beautiful message to your daughter and a wonderful gift you gave her.
Thanks and I appreciate your comment!
Wow Connie, how times flies. With Jade graduating, it makes me reflect back on her birth. Wow again. So many memories, so many stories, uphill and down! What a gift you gave her. I am sure she will be as special as Jimmie Dee, Minnie Mae and you. Congrats to y’all! Come see us when you can. xoxoxo
Jayne, time does fly by. It’ll be your boys graduating before you know it.
Lovely — all of it. Just lovely! Your daughter is one lucky young woman 🙂
The whole family and extended family is feeling real lucky these days!
Oh Connie, how lovely. Your daughter is a wonderful girl, and I”m sure you’re very proud of her! Virginia
I am very proud of my baby girl.
This is the most beautiful love letter to your daughter, Connie, one that I know she will treasure forever.
Helene, I believe she’ll treasure the letter as well as the ring! Thanks for your kind comment, Connie
This is a beautiful love letter. I love the part about her being from a heritage of love. That was simply beautiful. Congratulations Connie!
Thanks Chloe. I am bursting with pride and love.
What a special mother-daughter legacy! Don’t forget to sit back, think hard, and take a mental snap shot of all you see, hear, and feel at that graduation Connie, because before you know it, you will hear yourself saying “Remember _____ from your college graduation?” Savor it!
Thanks Ruth. I do want to savor every moment. Thanks for reminding me to do so.
Beautiful, Connie. Got me all teary-eyed over here!
Suzie, it makes me cry and I wrote it!!
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful daughter. Congratulations to both of you on this wonderful occasion.
Thanks Pat!
It’s interesting how milestone events and birthdays make us take stock. This is a lovely essay for your daughter to cherish now for “some day”. (I’m sure she likes the ring too.)
Suzanne, yes it is those milestones that make us pause. When she opened to gift the first think she said was, I’ve always loved this ring.”