We came across this beautiful letter from a mother to her daughter and wanted to share it with you. It’s a short, thought-provoking read about what it means to grow older, and what it means to be loved and cared for by your own child in return.
It’s the kind of letter that stops you for a moment — worth reading slowly, and worth sharing with your own mother or daughter if it speaks to you.
My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.
When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?
When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way … remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.
If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.
And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you … my darling daughter.
Original text in Spanish and photo by Guillermo Peña. Translation to English by Sergio Cadena.
What do you think?
Letters like this tend to land differently depending on where you are in life — whether you’re the daughter, the mother, or both. We’d love to hear what it made you think of. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
You might also like
- 20 Things to Tell Your Daughter
- 25 Reasons You Know You’re Mum to a Girl
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If this letter moved you, save the page or share it with your mother, daughter, or a friend who’ll appreciate it too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote this letter from a mother to her daughter?
The original letter was written in Spanish, with the accompanying photo by Guillermo Peña. It was translated into English by Sergio Cadena.
Can I share this letter with family or friends?
Yes — it’s the kind of letter many parents and daughters find worth passing on. Feel free to share the page with anyone you think would appreciate it.
