To my kids, I will love you through it all

To my kids,

I will love you through the mad.

When I’m yelling like a whistling kettle that needs to let out steam.

When we don’t like each other. Not one bit.

I will love you through mental illness.

When I can’t get out of bed to say it.

When my anxiety paralyzes me.

When I feel like the worst.

Or when I'm not quite myself.

I will love you through the sad.

When you get your heart broken or fight with a friend.

When the tears run down your face because life isn’t fair.

I will love you through the mess.

The loads of laundry that have me crabby.

The piles of dishes that need to be loaded.

The toys scattered on the floor that keep me on my hands and knees, cleaning non-stop.

I will love you through your highs.

When you get into college.

When you meet your life partner.

When you follow your dreams.

I will love you through your lows.

When you are lost and can’t find your purpose.

When you feel alone.

When you fail, try, then fall again.

When you don’t know why you are here.

Always remember, you are loved.

I will show up.

I will try.

I will hold your hand when you need it.

I won’t be perfect.

I won’t even be close.

But no one will love you more.

Because I am your mom.

This post originally appeared on the author's Facebook. Her book "Living FULL: Winning My Battle with Eating Disorder" is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2O4mJId