Sharing memories and stories are important for our children
I know this sounds incredibly fatalistic and morbid of me, but I have written a letter to my daughters, just in case I should die.
I am not dying, thankfully I am healthy and happy.
My mother died when I was seven and because of this I feel like I have grown up with a gap of understanding. Sometimes it feels like half of me is missing. Since having daughters of my own, my mortality, and its affect on them, hit me hard. I don’t want my daughters to grow up not really knowing me, even if I die of old age. I want a book to write my thoughts, dreams, stories and memories. To collate and display precious photos with explanations. To write about watching my daughter’s life journey unfold. I wanted something they could keep and read and maybe understand me a little more.
As I talked about this with my friends I realised they wanted the same. So two years later we have the Me & You Book. A legacy book for mothers to write a keepsake journal for their daughters. To talk about the things we don’t have time to talk about. To remember the funny stories along the way. To share our tears and heartache. To show our love for them is undying. To ensure our daughters have us forever in this book, no matter what happens.
I don’t think this is morbid. I wish I had a letter and a book like this from my mother. I am going to do things differently with my girls.
My first entry into the Me & You Book.
To my daughter, Hannah
Me & You Book – a special keepsake for mothers and daughters
In your hands you hold a precious gift from me.
You are incredibly special to me, so I’ve written this legacy about me and you. It celebrates my memories of you and the special people, places and events that have shaped your life.
This family heirloom will also uncover more about your heritage, your nanny and poppy, grandparents, and of course more about me, daddy and Ava. You have these memories, stories and hopes in my handwriting. These words show how treasured you are to your family.
This book allows you to take a trip down memory lane. Whenever you want to whisk yourself away to another time and place and be with me, you can. You now have a record of our life together, specially for you. This journal is filled with love. As some things in life can fade, know that through this book, our memories and our love will never fade – it is with you forever.
You are my shining star, with an abundance of individual gifts and talents. You have a generous, caring nature full of kindness and laughter. You are sensitive (I love that) and want to understand the detail of how things tick. I love every moment of our journey together. You and Ava are my greatest success.
My only advice is to listen to yourself. Follow your heart and mind, combined there is no greater strength. Your life is filled with opportunity and choice. You can be and do whatever you want. Know whatever you chose, my only wish for you, is you live your life with inner strength, happiness and an abundance of love.
It is hard to describe the kind of love I have for you, my daughter. This book shares the joys, tears, laughter and love you have brought to my life.
This is the way I can be with you forever and how I can show the depth of my love for you.
You are part of my heart. I will watch over and love you – always.
Love your Mum
Nicolle’s daughters Ava (left) and Hannah (right)
xx
Me & You Book Author. Nicolle Jenkins showing the book to daughters Ava and Hannah (and husband Dugald)
nicollejenkins 