When I was asked to write an open letter to you, I thought about the hundreds of texts and emails that I have sent to you on holidays and on Sundays, when I ask you to say a prayer to thank God for each other. Every day, I wake up thinking about how much I love, admire and cherish each of you.
I gave birth to two of you, but I have four incredible daughters. Writing this brought to mind all the ways you guys have been such a blessing to me.
When I’m feeling sad or not-so-cute or maybe a little sorry for myself, and you all
include me in your group chat and tell me how hot I still look or how cool I am. Maybe you send me a crazy YouTube video. What actually works best is a cute photo of my grandchildren.
I remember slumber parties after my
divorce, when we watched old movies and ate a lot of ice cream. I felt
so loved and supported. The roles were reversed, and it was ME who
needed nurturing.
I remember my first date when every one of you weighed in on what I should wear.
The obvious things about all of you
are apparent. You are all strong, beautiful, intelligent and smart
businesswomen. You are so much more than that. You are all kind,
generous and you treat people well. You are all amazing mothers, wives,
daughters, sisters and friends. All of you have total self-respect.
Beyoncé, I wish people could see how
you are when you’re not in front of the camera or on the stage. How
compassionate and kind you are to people, how you look them right in the
eye when you speak to them. How hard you work, how generous you are
with your time and money. How you don’t care if anyone knows about it
because you do it from the heart. I wish they could see you with the
Make-A-Wish Foundation kids, how patient you are and how your love has
helped to extend lives.
Yes, you are a huge star, but you have somehow managed to stay grounded and humble in the wake of all your success.
Solange, I knew when you were born
three days late that you would walk to the beat of your own drum. You
were always my rebel warrior! Always defending the underdog and fighting
for what you believe in. I remember you, at 10 years old, started a
petition to remove a bad teacher, and your dad and I were so proud of
you. I love that you do not let others define who you are, or what you
are. Whether in your music, fashion or your life, you truly are your own
incredible, unapologetic person! As tough as you are, you will drop
everything to take care of someone you love.
Kelly, I know without a doubt that
you were a true gift from God. You came to live with us when you were
only 11 years old. You were the sweetest, most kind person I had ever
met and you still are. You are also a true survivor. You never give up.
Your discipline and drive always inspires me. You make me want to take
better care of my body and constantly motivate me to exercise and take
time for myself. You have the best listening skills and are a loyal
friend to many. I’ve seen you take the jewelry off of your arm and give
it to someone because you wanted to make them feel good.
Angie, you are my niece, but we have
always been more like mother and daughter! You were always so mature,
always challenging me and questioning why. (Fortunately I never believed
in the “Because I said so” or “I’m the adult” crap, either.) I always
trusted that you would look out for and protect Solange, Kelly and
Beyoncé, and you did! You still do sometimes. You are so smart and
perceptive, and you see through bullshit right away! You’ve always had
our backs. Our own family fixer!! You know I call you Olivia Pope!!!!!
I’m often asked, what was my most
proud moment? I would have to say it was at my recent wedding, when all
four of you said in your own words that I taught by example and that I
helped to make you the women you are today!!!! That was truly my
proudest moment!
All my love,
Mom
Mom
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