Before I Was Your Mother By: Bethany Linkous

This book is modeled after the children’s book, Before I Was Your Mother, by Kathryn Lasky. I dedicate this book to my little girl. Katelyn, you light up my world and my heart. Dedicated and presented with love on Christmas, December 25, 2007.

You know that I wasn’t always your mother. Before I was your mother, I was a little girl. I loved to listen to music and watch Sesame Street. I always wanted to be around other people. I was an active child who enjoyed playing outside on my swingset. Swimming and riding my bike were favorite activities of mine.

Before I was your mother, I lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It may not be the prettiest city, but it will always have a place in my heart. Most of my family memories have taken place in Pittsburgh. I am still awestruck when I come out of the Fort Pitt Tunnels and see the bright lights of the city.

Before I was your mother, I was a little girl who loved to be rocked by her daddy. “Rock me” I would say and climb onto his lap. We would rock and listen to music for hours.

Before I was your mother, I would pretend to be a mother. Playing with my baby dolls was a favorite pastime of mine. I would feed them, dress them, and rock them. They all had a name and slept with me in my bed.

Before I was your mother, I was a teacher. I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I enjoyed playing school while growing up. My brother and cousins would often be my students. I would read aloud, review flashcards, and do workbooks with them.

Before I was your mother, I would visit my grandparents in the country. I always looked forward to spending the night. In the morning, my grandma would fix me CoCo Wheats. It was made just right, not lumpy like my mom’s. At my grandparent’s house I spent a lot of time playing with my cousins. We would run around outside, swim in the pool, and tell stories.

Before I was your mother, I spent most holidays with my grandparents. One of my favorite memories was going shopping with Grandma. We would take the bus to downtown Pittsburgh. We would spend hours shopping at Kaufmann’s and walking downtown. Grandma did a great job keeping up with me.

Before I was your mother, I was a babysitter. I mostly babysat my younger cousins. It was a good way to get extra money. I would spend the money as fast as I earned it. Clothes and CDs were my favorite things to buy.

Before I was your mother, I was a dancer. Dance was my passion while growing up. I danced from age 5 through high school. I loved the adrenaline I felt while being on stage. I’ll never forget the phone call I made to my mom when I made the Dance Team in high school.

Before I was your mother, I was a piano player. My mom played the piano and wanted me to learn how to play. I took lessons, but detested to practice. I quit taking lessons when I was ten years old. Looking back I wish that I stuck with it. At the time my heart was into dance and gymnastics.

Before I was a mother, I dreamed of being a mother. I imagined someone looking up to me the way I looked up to my mom. I have always felt safe and accepted by my mom. We have a strong friendship and I still go to my mother for advice. I always hoped for the chance to be a mom like her.

Before I was your mother, I met a great man~ your daddy. I admire your dad for how hard working and ambitious he is. I am a better person when I am with your dad. He can always make me laugh and has a big heart.

Now that I am your mother, I feel very blessed. Your smile carries me through each day. Motherhood is challenging, but it is very rewarding. I look forward to the memories we will share in the years ahead. Always remember that you are loved very much. I am your number one cheerleader.