The Anti-Betty Draper Letter to My Daughters

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Fans of Mad Men were left stunned after last night’s episode, particularly with Betty’s shocking lung cancer diagnosis. While some were heartbroken, others felt a sense of satisfaction that the emotionally distant mother was finally facing her consequences. What really grabbed my attention, however, was the letter Betty gave to Sally. I found myself wondering what I expected—perhaps a heartfelt message to bridge their emotional gap? Yet, her clinical instructions for her burial, down to the choice of dress and makeup, reflect her era’s mindset. If she’s going to leave this world, she insists on looking fabulous.

This got me thinking about the letter I penned a few years ago for my own daughters. Unlike Betty, I cherish my relationship with my girls, and being their mom brings me immense joy. My husband is a cancer survivor, and I’ve spent many sleepless nights worrying about his health. Yet, as a mother, there’s one undeniable truth I hold: nothing can ever happen to me.

So, I crafted a letter filled with vital life lessons for my daughters. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Master the art of driving a stick shift in a world of automatics. Life is like a highway—those who sit back and let life steer them will end up with predictable results. Take charge of your journey, girls. Shift gears and navigate the unexpected twists with confidence. It may be tough to get through those early gears, but when you finally hit that high speed, you’ll know you’ve earned the thrill of the ride. Plus, there’s something incredibly empowering about a woman who can handle a vehicle like a pro.
2. Spot toxic relationships and steer clear. From drama queens to narcissistic friends, there are individuals who drain your energy. While being generous is commendable, it’s okay to recognize when it’s time to let go. You don’t need to forgive and forget endlessly. If someone shows their true colors more than once, it’s time to cut ties.
3. Choose a partner like your Dad. I fell for him because he’s intelligent, humorous, and an amazing father. His good looks are just a bonus! I kissed a few frogs before finding him, and I never settled for less than what I deserved. I hope you do the same.
4. Embrace the features you dislike about yourself. My sister once loathed her freckles, despite them being a beautiful part of her heritage. I urged her to reconsider—who was she truly living for? Once she realized she didn’t need to hide, she blossomed into the confident woman she is today. Love your unique traits, girls; they’re what make you, you.
5. Understand you’re not as special as you think. While you hold a special place in my heart, there are countless talented individuals out there. Don’t expect success to come easily just because you have natural gifts. Embrace hard work and the possibility of failure. Use those who inspire you to strive for more, but know that you are enough just as you are.
6. Don’t forget to laugh at life. Humor is essential! Laugh at the silly moments, even when things go awry. Whether it’s tripping on the stairs or the occasional awkward social blunder, it’s all part of being human. Enjoy every moment, dear daughters, and know I’ll always be smiling with you.

If you’d like to read more about personal growth and parenting, check out this blog post about home insemination at Intracervical Insemination. And for an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC’s website. For those considering home insemination, make sure to look into CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit, as they offer valuable products and insights.

In summary, life is a journey filled with lessons. By taking charge of your experiences, recognizing toxic influences, and embracing your true self, you can navigate the road ahead with confidence and joy.