Fans of Mad Men were buzzing after the latest episode, some grappling with the shock of Betty’s lung cancer diagnosis, while others relished the idea that the archetypal distant mother was finally facing consequences. However, what resonated most with me was the letter Betty passed to Sally. I had my own expectations—perhaps a few tender words to bridge the emotional gap between them? Instead, I found her detached directives for her burial, right down to wardrobe choices and makeup tips, revealing a truth: Betty embodies the standards of her era. If she’s leaving this world, she insists on doing it with style.
This brought to mind a letter I penned for my daughters a few years ago. In contrast to Betty, my relationship with my children is filled with love and warmth, and I cherish my role as their mother. My husband is a cancer survivor, and while I’ve spent many sleepless nights worrying about what could happen to him, a profound realization remains: I must stay healthy, as my well-being is integral to our family’s balance.
Thus, I crafted a letter filled with guidance for my daughters. Here are just a few insights I shared:
- Master the Art of Driving a Stick Shift in an Automatic World. Life is a journey, and those who let circumstances take the wheel shouldn’t be surprised by where they end up. Take control of your life, ladies; shift gears as needed, and embrace every twist and turn. Don’t shy away from the hard work in the early stages. When you finally hit the accelerator, it will be all the more rewarding. There’s nothing more impressive than a woman who can confidently navigate her path.
- Identify Toxic Relationships and Cut Them Loose. Whether it’s drama queens, narcissists, or those who only reach out when they need something, recognize the energy drainers in your life. While generosity is admirable, there’s no need to let others siphon your joy. Acknowledge toxic behavior once, but don’t hesitate to sever ties if it happens again. Your well-being is paramount.
- Choose a Partner Like Your Dad. I selected him for his intelligence, humor, loyalty, and dedication—not just his good looks. I dated a few frogs before finding my prince, and I refuse to settle. I want you to hold out for someone who truly complements you.
- Learn to Love Your Unwanted Traits. For my sister, it was her freckles, a vivid reminder of her heritage. She once hid them out of shame, but after a pivotal conversation, she embraced her uniqueness. I want you to celebrate what makes you different, for that is where your strength lies.
- Understand That You’re Not the Center of the Universe. While you are special to me, millions possess incredible talents. Don’t assume success is guaranteed; instead, be prepared to hone your skills, face setbacks, and learn from others. You are enough just as you are, and your worth is inherent.
- Don’t Take Life Too Seriously. Embrace humor in every situation—laugh at the silly moments, even the embarrassing ones. Life is fleeting, so fill it with joy and laughter. I hope you find delight in the ride and remember that I’ll always be cheering you on.
This letter serves as a beacon for my daughters, guiding them through life’s complexities, just as resources like UCSF’s fertility information can help those exploring home insemination. If you’re interested in learning more about self-insemination, check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for practical guidance. Additionally, Intracervical Insemination offers valuable insights on this topic.
In summary, my hope is that my daughters embrace their individuality, take control of their destinies, and find joy in both the serious and lighthearted moments of life.