Caring for Calves and Kids

Dear Oldest Child,

I hope you had a fantastic childhood. One that is full of love, laughter and not too much responsibility. Because you are my oldest child you learned to do so much on your own first, before any of your siblings and as a mom with a lot on her plate I probably asked you to do way too much. Take on more responsibility than a child should have.

            “Can you please go get me this?” “Hey can you help your brother get whatever he needs while I finish supper?” “Can you go put this bill in the mailbox?” “Can you please watch your siblings while I go wrangle this cow for your dad?”

            Bills, responsibility, chores, doing dishes, cooking, taking care of your brother and sister are not part of the childhood checklist. And me asking you to help with those makes your rose-colored glasses fade much faster, especially on a farm. But I hope that doesn’t take away from your childhood experiences.

            I hope you still got to play carefree. That you got to enjoy time with friends. That you didn’t always have to worry about your siblings. That you could just worry about how fast you could run or what color your drawing is going to be or which swimsuit you’re going to wear on the slip and slide.

            I hope you know how much I truly appreciated all of your help. The way you would curl up with me once I dropped to the floor overwhelmed with what the day had brought for me. How much I appreciated your help when all 3 kids needed mom and you were able to reduce the amount of need from little people.

            You were truly an amazing child. I am so proud of you and I know someday you will make an amazing mom if that’s the route you chose to take and if not, I know you will be an amazing friend. One who knows how to juggle a lot, take care of friends when they are in need and you’ll know how to always have fun no matter what the situation is.

            Thank you for all you did baby girl! I promise it will not go unnoticed.

Sincerely,

Mom