A few months ago, we left the UK to embark on the adventure of creating a new life in France.
Though the thought of this or at least the destination filled us with excitement. The in-between bit very much scared the shit out of us. A lack of stability for parents of young children and a temporary life of spontaneity is not something to look forward to.
Nursery for us, though it had been hard to get our son in and settled, was one of the greatest discoveries we ever made, like an ice-cold beer in a hot shower.
So, the thought of pulling him out in May to move to France. Knowing that he would likely not start another school or nursery until September, was quite frankly terrifying. Not to mention during this ‘’holiday’’ we had nowhere to live except our 1987 VW camper.
For millennial parents such as us, I don’t think it’s uncommon for the grandparents not to be around. Yet for those of you who have children with predominantly absent families and full-time jobs, you’ll no doubt understand it can be a fucking nightmare. So, if you can afford a nursery or get help with costs as we did. It is a necessary part of life.
They provide the much-needed family, support and tribal living that is so important yet elusive in this capitalistic world we live in, minus the shared breastfeeding.
So, when we left our nursery. I felt it necessary to write them a love letter, an ode to how important they are to us.
The renowned coach Marshall Goldsmith writes in his book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There how you should honour your mentors and write them a letter.
I don’t think we are very good at this. That is honouring people in our day-to-day lives. Saying thank you. Perhaps if we do, when one of those people is having a tough day, they’ll be able to look back and remember how your heartfelt thanks made them feel. No doubt, valued and appreciated.
The Letter
Dear XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX
Though, I am sure there are ones just as indispensable that we have missed. Whilst you have just been doing your jobs you played a huge part in raising our little boy. You have been the family that we needed.
When we found you, we were lost, and we needed help. We have no family around, as you know and raising kids is hard. We are so thankful to you all and feel that you have gone above and beyond what you’re required to do, and in some ways loved XXXXX like he was your own.
Whilst we are not particularly sad to be leaving XXXXX and its terrible climate, we are very sad to be leaving you. In fact, our biggest fear is coping without you lot. XXXXX screaming in my face as I write this.
We are so thankful to you and for all that you have done for XXXXX. He is quite the little chap, and you have raised him as much as us in the last 18 months. You’re all amazing at what you do, and you seem to actually enjoy it, which is beautiful to see.
We wish you all the best and you will always be saint-like to us, the highlight of our time in XXXXX. We are forever thankful.
All the best
XXXXX & XXXXXX