My darling daughters- you did it, you changed what motherhood means to me, a concept that has weighed heavy on my heart since I was a little girl. From the minute I became your mom I promised myself I would never be like mine. I constantly put this unnecessary pressure on myself to be this perfect example for you, because I wanted that so badly for myself. I realize now that being the best mom I can be is in fact imperfect. As long as I show up and love you with every fiber of my being, I know I will have done my job. To those that were raised with mothers who suffer with mental illness, I see you and feel that longing for a “normal mom” a void that can never be replaced. But for the first time, I want to celebrate the impact my mom had on me, because if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be the mom I am and for that I am forever grateful.