‘I Love You Just As You Are’

Laila Ali Letters From Mom 2016
Courtesy Laila Ali

To Sydney and Curtis

Mommy has something to tell you that I always want you to remember. I have been loving both of you since the first day I laid my eyes on you when you were born. There is nothing that makes me and daddy happier than to see your smiling angelic faces every morning when we wake up. When mommy has a tough day and gets upset, your hugs and sweet kisses ALWAYS make be feel better. When I call you my babies and you both say “I’m not a baby!” well, you won’t understand what I mean when I call you my babies until you grow up and have your own children. You will always be my babies!
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I can’t even express how much fulfillment you have brought to my life. You both have the most beautiful hearts! This is evident in the way you treat others with kindness and compassion. I admire how you always look out for one another. Every morning when dad drops you off at school, you kiss and hug before going your separate ways! Curtis, I love that you always stop by Sydney’s class to check on her and bring her snacks. Sydney, you make me smile every time you run to your brother when I pick you up at the end of the school day.

I simply love being your mom! And like I always tell you, you can’t make me stop loving you! I want you to always remember the meaning of the words in the song I have been singing to you since you have been old enough to talk: I love you when you act “good,” I love you when you act “bad.” I love you when you’re happy, I love you when you’re sad. I love you when you win, I love you when you lose. I love you when you no matter what because you can’t make mommy stop loving you!

Those words mean that I love you just as you are, unconditionally. Never, please never stop giving mommy those powerful, heartwarming hugs and kisses that make me feel so loved and appreciated by my two babies!

Love,
Mommy

Ali is a retired undefeated professional boxer

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