Dear Kate,

What a crazy 6 years it’s been. I bet you never thought you’d go through any of this. Or that you’d have kids that would have so many challenges.

I’m sure you didn’t anticipate how hard this was going to be. Just so you know, it’s OK for you to say that. It’s OK to say it’s hard.

I want you to remember something. I know you hate when people tell you you’re strong. I know you don’t like when they tell you’re doing a good job.

So I’ll tell you something you haven’t heard before. Something new.

You’re going to make it. Everything will be OK. You are seen. You work hard.

I know you just want people to understand completely what your life is like every day. Even if people don’t say it, they see you.

I know you feel awful when you yell at your kids. Give yourself some grace. You’re human. I know you want to be perfect, but no one is. You’re going to lose your cool sometimes, and that’s OK.

The stress is at an all-time high for you. So try to remember what you’ve learned with managing stress and coping skills. Stick with therapy. It’s going to help so much. Don’t be ashamed that that’s something you need to do. You need someone to talk to.

One more thing. Don’t give up on your faith. Your faith is what has gotten you this far. The progress with your kids, your marriage not failing, all your support. Everything.

Remember how I was telling you how you don’t feel seen? Well God does see you. If nobody else does, He truly does. In the end, He’s all that matters. Return to Him. You’re never alone, because He’s sitting there with you. Crying with you. Cheering with you. Angry with you. Joyful with you. He’s always there.

Never forget that your decline in mental health has nothing to do with not enough faith, not praying enough, not trusting enough. It just is.

I know that’s hard and a different feeling for you. You were so happy as a kid. So carefree. Your life was so simple.

And thats changed. You’re learning so much. And growing. As a person, as a woman, as a wife and mother. You’ve grown so much.

Your husband and kids love you. They know your importance and value. Your family needs you.

You’re going to make it. Everything will be ok. You are seen. You work hard.

Love, Kate