Dear Friend,
I want to start by saying I’m truly sorry. I’m sorry for how our friendship has evolved, for the changes that have come between us, and for the ways I have transformed as a person.
Motherhood has altered me in ways I never anticipated. You don’t have to be a parent to understand that life takes unexpected turns. We both knew that becoming a parent would be a monumental shift, and we accepted that it would change our dynamic. We foresaw the reduced communication and the times I would have to decline invitations, often due to unforeseen circumstances like a sick child or a babysitter mix-up.
What I didn’t expect was the profound impact it would have on my everyday self. You still make an effort to reach out; you bring thoughtful gifts for my little one and prioritize our time together. But as soon as you start to share the latest from your life, I’m pulled away by the demands of parenting. I try to multitask, apologizing as I dash off to settle a minor crisis or fetch a snack. I’m sincerely sorry for those fragmented conversations and the moments when my focus drifts to the chaos around me.
It’s not that I don’t care about your life, your career, or your adventures in Las Vegas. On the contrary, I deeply value our friendship and long for the chance to catch up properly. Yet, with late nights, early mornings, and back-to-back episodes of kids’ shows, I often feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Although the sleepless nights are becoming a thing of the past and we might be nearing the end of diaper days, my life is still a whirlwind.
I want you to know that I’m genuinely trying. I recognize this doesn’t always come across, and I apologize for that. It’s challenging to convey my feelings when my mind is so consumed with schedules and unexpected hurdles. I used to handle countless tasks seamlessly, earning your affectionate nickname of “Event Coordinator Ellie,” but now my focus is on maintaining nap times and finding moments to breathe.
When we talk, the conversations tend to revolve around my daughter and her antics. I’m sorry for the delayed responses to your messages and for inundating you with pictures of my little one. Sometimes, that’s my way of reaching out and reconnecting.
I love you and cherish who you are. I want to stay connected and hope you’ll continue to make the effort to reach out. I know it shouldn’t be your responsibility to carry our friendship, but I genuinely need your support as I navigate this new chapter in life.
So, if I seem distracted or distant, please don’t take it personally. My hectic life as a new(ish) mom is not a reflection of my feelings toward you. I truly care, and I am listening, even if it takes me a while to adjust to this parenting journey.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as I figure this all out.
With love,
Ellie