The Note My Kid Wrote When She Found My Journal Entry About Depression
Today was dress-like-your-favorite-Disney-character day at school. I gave my 7-year-old daughter a leather-bound journal I own as an accessory for her Belle costume. I thought the journal was empty, but apparently, in May of 2018, I wrote a page. I started the entry with this sentence: “I’m afraid to put down on paper what I’m really thinking and feeling for fear of it becoming more overwhelming and less manageable.”
When I picked her up today she gave me a note she had written on a piece of paper she had torn out of the journal. This is what the note said:<
Mommy
I hope you can share your writing. I read this one. Things aren’t always what they seem but the future is what you see and love. People love you. Just be brave. I know how it feels.
Sophia xoxoxo
I’m not sure how a child that young can be so empathetic and insightful. This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever received, and I needed it more today than I ever thought. I don’t get it right so frequently, I struggle some days to get out of bed and I put on a strong face more than I should, but I need to be brave and share my truth.
Here’s to strong women! May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.