I’m sorry for the times I pushed you to move forward when you weren’t ready.
I’m sorry for the times I believed people who said that in order to do your best work, you had to starve.
I’m sorry for the times I drove you to the point of exhaustion and frustration, and for the times I failed to listen when you told me you just wanted to go for a walk or read a book. I should have let you rest.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to protect you from the people who told you you’d never make it.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to let you follow your muse, calling you back to a more practical path.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to tell you that you were enough.
I’m sorry for the times I didn’t let you feel the pain of a sharp word or a hurtful critique, and for the times I told you to ignore it or, worse yet, to toughen up. I should have allowed you to feel that pain and trusted you were strong enough to take it.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to recognize your uniqueness and tried to push you to fit in, thinking that then you’d have a better chance to succeed.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to acknowledge your accomplishments, and for the times I neglected to celebrate when you reached a goal, before rushing forward to set you a new one.
I’m sorry for the times I told you something would never succeed, when, really, I had no idea if it would or not.
I’m sorry for the times I didn’t give you the things you needed because I said we couldn’t afford it or couldn’t spare the time.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to say no on your behalf, and for the times I distracted you with meaningless tasks, when you really needed to focus.
I’m sorry for the times I failed to tell you how much I admire your passion and integrity and dedication to your work. How much I relish the joy you bring to my life. How proud I am to be a part of you!
