To Anna

[Dear reader, this note is for Anna-our nanny of four-and-a-half years...The girls start school on Monday and Anna won't be watching them for us anymore. But, I hate even writing the word "nanny" because she is so much more than that to us. Nannies are people whose job it is to provide care for children. Anna is not our nanny-she is the girls' second mother. She is kind, and good, and patient and loving. Especially that last thing. LOVING... how we love, and we love, and we love everything she is..].
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Dear Anna-

I can't believe our time is done. The time with you helping raise our babies day in and day out, I mean. I swear, making your photo book, I was near tears the entire time thinking about just how much of our parenting lives you have shared-how every waking day of Addie's life she has known you and how Gillian doesn't remember a day without you near.

I remember worrying about letting someone else take care of my child, my precious Gillian, but how we were kindof forced to do it because Sean's business could never grow without more work hours. How we worried about affording it and we worried about finding a share so we could afford it, but even more we worried that people couldn't care for her or love her like we do. But one thing I have realized, truly, is that the universe provides-always.

I answered your ad on Craigslist, and we set up an interview; after a few flat interviews with people who didn't speak to or make eye contact with my child, you were a breath of fresh air. You shook my hand, but were more interested in meeting HER, and got on the floor with her and talked to her, and your genuine interest won her over immediately...you had a sweet picture in your purse of your own girls. You were also so humble and real. And I was sold-I knew I needed you to be the one with Gillian. I did your background check here in the living room right then. And so it was.

Gillian was 18 months old then. I articulated the heaviness of that decisions well here. But I shouldn't have worried because of subsequent posts like this and this. You and your sweet Julie (who was 4 at the time, and came with you every day for almost a year and a half-which was GREAT for Gillian's development) were such welcome additions to our home, and Julie and Gillian became like sisters immediately, and have been ever since.

I have always found comfort in knowing that Gillian, and then our precious baby Addie, would always be ok with you. As a mother, you know that is such a tremendous relief. They were in your very capable hands. The more we got to know you, the more we realized how gentle and kind and good you are. We realized how important having a mother look after our daughters was. Mothers just have a different sensibility, and I would tell any new mom that hiring a mother adds to the quality of care a child gets. Over the years I have gotten amazing advice and suggestions from you on any number of parenting topics (potty training, transitioning to a big bed, and eating come to mind), which came from your expert mommying of Julie and Monika. And what beautiful young ladies they have become-a testament to excellent parenting skills :-).

When I sat down to write this, I couldn't see through my blurry eyes-and I have been worrying about Gillian and Addie's transition! I hope the book of photos of the girls since you joined our family made you laugh a little and cry a little like I did making it. The life of our family was made richer and sweeter the day you joined it. I mean that. I really want you to know that you have never been just a nanny. You have been so much more to us, to me. A confidante, a friend, an advisor, and an angel...I just want you to know I would sing your grace from the rooftops if I could. I want you to know that I believe you crashed into my sphere to put your stamp of patience and empathy on my children. I want you to know we don't take anything you have done for us for granted. And Gillian and Addie love you all the way to the bottoms of their little hearts and through every cell in their bodies. They love you. We are all just so grateful. Thank you-and visit often.

Then:

 and now:

♥♥