Words of wisdom from the heart
In the second of our week-long series of letters from Perth mothers to their children, local designer Kylie Radford writes a letter to her sons Baxter, 9, and Louis, 7.
To My Beautiful Boys,
There are so many words of advice that I would love to share with you. I want to protect you from hurt and I want you to always feel happiness and security.
But this is not the reality of life and your life is your journey, not mine.
So take from my words what you will, but lead your own journey and own it.
There is no right or wrong way, it's what is right for you. I will always be by your side and I will always love you more than life itself, and I am not the only one.
You have each other, special brothers, who have grown together, laughed together, challenged each other and most of all, grown a love and bond that cannot be rivalled.
Respect yourself and each other, support and encourage each other. You are unique and beautiful in different ways, appreciate your differences and be proud to be each other's brother.
Make each other accountable and check in when something doesn't feel right, trust your instinct and your soul. Communicate! Talk about everything, share your fears, feelings and dreams. There will be no other trust as strong as the trust you have together and this is sacred. Honour this trust.
Take responsibility for your actions and your words. Understand that they not only affect you but they also affect others.
People make mistakes, you will make mistakes and it is important that you accept them.
Say sorry with meaning and sincerity. Your honesty and humility will always be admired.
Show empathy and kindness and understand that everyone is dealing with something that you know nothing about. Extend a hand to someone in need, you may be the only person who does. Smile with your eyes and with warmth on your face.
Continue loving animals passionately, like you have with Morri and Frankie. They will always be the most loyal and devoted companions. Understand that dogs' lives are not as long as ours and don't mourn too long for their loss.
Appreciate what they have taught you and the loneliness they have starved. Let them share your space and your heart and snuggle with them every chance you get. They have feelings just like ours and if you protect them, they will protect you.
Create space in your mind and allow time to be still. Dream, but don't compare your dreams to others, for your dreams only belong to you. There is so much more that I could say . . . please lift the toilet seat, open doors and always use your manners. Shake firmly and look people in the eye. Hug the people that you love and also some that you don't.
I am proud of you, I am in awe of you. I want to spend every living moment with you and I pray that as we grow older together, I allow you the space for you to be you.
It is an absolute honour to be your mum and I will always try to be the mum you both deserve.
Love me, xx
