Mother’s Love Letter: From New Life On The Road
Talk about living life, marching to the beat of your own drum.
Lisa Wood is the mother of 5 sons (ages 6-17).
Get this:
While it’s quite “normal” for an Australian family to:
pay off a mortgage, send their kids to school, drive a car and live in some kind of dwelling…
Lisa and her husband David have:
sold their home, renovated a shabby old school bus (bought on e-bay!) into a stunning motor home, and are home schooling four of their sons, while traveling around Australia indefinitely.
To actually take action (not just wishing or talking about it), to live an independent life, totally against the mainstream -
You really need to have the courage of your conviction.
Lisa is all over the social media networks, sharing her story and connecting with people from around the world, through her blog New Life On The Road which had nearly 14,000 visitors last month.
She even got head hunted on YouTube recently (just like Justin Bieber was!) and invited to the local radio station for a two hour slot!
Publicly, this intrepid mother shares a lot of the good times with her followers.
In this very special, touching and intimate addition to Mother’s Love Letters…
This kind-hearted, free-spirited mum, gives us a personal insight into her deepest regrets as a mother and some of the background into this major decision, for a completely new way of life.
Thank You Lisa, for proving that it is possible to break free of others’ expectations. For your candour, inspiration and most of all, your Mother’s Love.
Mother’s Love Letter: From New Life On The Road
I am writing this letter to you all, to show you how much you mean to me, how your life makes my life important.
I know that I don’t show you enough how much I care about you. I know that I don’t share how much I love you with words.
I need you to understand that each and every one of you is so important to me.
While I was pregnant with you all, I would talk to you and hug you with my hands on my belly. I was amazed with your big kicks, and your small hands that would move about.
Your daddy would love to hold my belly and talk to you. You were so important to our life.
We would go for walks, and we would talk to you. I loved you before you were born, I loved you before you were made, and I love you more now that you are here.
Our life has changed lately. With many differences, and many things are no longer the way it used to be.
Some of you have accepted our different life, some of you don’t understand why we are living the way we are, and some of you are not sure what is going on.
I have not always been the person I am today. I was lost for many years. Now I feel like you have all brought me back.
I had different dreams while I was pregnant with you all. I had different images of our life being different to what we were living.
Last year I knew that our family was in trouble.
I could see us all going in different directions, with no one really caring about the other person.
I was so busy with working. Daddy was so busy with trying to keep the house clean, and you were all so busy with school and your own life.
What had happened to our family life?
Something had to change.
Something had to be given up.
Why was our life different to what I had imagined while I was carrying you all?
Lately I have had a good look at my parenting skills.
To be honest I don’t like what I see.
I love you, but my words don’t show you that.
I love you but my actions don’t show you that.
I love you for being in my life, but my body does not show you that.
Why was I not given a book that teaches me how to be your Mum?
This year I was given a big wake up call.
One of you could not accept our chosen lifestyle and has moved out. One of you was not happy with the way I was treating you. Now I can see how that must have been so hard for you.
I should have said things better to you.
You made the decision to have the life of your dreams.
And I love you even more for that.
I said things to you (early this year) that no parent has the right to say to their children.
But I said them because I was scared of the way you were living.
You were not happy with our move from all of your friends, and you were not happy with homeschooling. You were heading down a path that I could see was not good for you.
So sorry for being the “Tough Love Mum” but I wanted you back on track. Now you are. Now you are heading into the career of your choice.
If I had my time over again, I would have said things differently.
I would have said words that showed you how much I do love you.
I can now see the parent I want to be. I have since discovered many other ways to be a Mum. My amazing boys, you have taught me that.
If I could change my life – I would. I would change the way I used to speak.
But I can’t.
What I can change is how I am today, tomorrow and in the future.
I write to you all, to let you know that you are important to me. If I am too tired, and I am too busy to show you, then slow me down.
If I say something that hurts you, I am sorry. I promise you this – I am trying to be a better Mum.
I promise all of you, that I will now be more careful with my words.
I promise you all, that I will not hurt you with my words like I have hurt you before. Why do I take you for granted? You were given to me as a gift, and I will love forever.
Am I perfect?
No way – never have been, and never will be.
Am I trying to be the Mum you can all say helped you grow into the person you were born to grow? That is what I hope from me.
I hope that one day (all five of you) will follow your dreams.
I hope that one day, you will look back on why I have made the decisions I have and understand.
I hope that you will all be happy. I hope that you will all care about each other. I hope that one day you will see how important your life is to us.
For the moment, for today, I want to share with you, my love I have for you.
Our oldest – You have the kindest sweetest caring nature. For that I thank you. I wish with all of my heart, that I had said things differently to you in the past. For the time being, all I can do is promise to listen more when you speak.
Our second Son – You are the most amazing young man I have had the privilege of seeing grow into a fine man. Your smile lights up my life.
Our third Son – I know that you are trying to work out who you are, and what you are meant to be in this world. I know that you are not sure about our new way of life. Please know that I am trying to create a lifestyle that is different from the past, but better for the future.
Our fourth boy – You are more precious than any words can say. You are at the stage of not being a little boy, but not being a bigger boy. You need to know, that I will be here for you and that I love you enough to let you be who you were born to be.
Our fifth boy – You are so different from our other boys! You have a little bit of your four brothers into your personality. You smile, You Laugh, You Live. You complete our family.
To My Boys I love you!
Thank you so much Lina for letting me write a love letter to my sons. Following your blog has touched my heart. For that I say thank you.
For all the readers that read this blog post – all I ask is that you leave your support by leaving a comment under here!
Don’t forget to check out Lisa’s incredible journey on her blog: New Life On The Road
Written by Lina Nguyen
Mother’s Love Letters © 2011
See also: Mother’s Love Promise
See also: What Doors Have Opened Because You Blog?
See also: Resolving Family Conflict & The Impact On Children
50 Responses to Mother’s Love Letter: From New Life On The Road
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Why I Love Friday
I’ve been following Lisa’s adventure since the day that she announced online that she had bought a old bus, site unseen, on eBay. It certainly has been an interesting story to follow.
I just finished reading this article and all I can say is “What an amazing letter to your children”. Maybe we should all consider sitting down and writing one to our children no matter how old they are. How many times have we said something hurtful without thinking of the circumstances that caused us to react in such a manner? How many times have we not said something when we should have? Now might be the time to rectify those instances while we still can.
Thanks Lina and Lisa for providing this amazing article.
Don
Hi Don,
Thank you so much for your amazing support, and for the amazing words.
I think Lina’s Mother Love Letters has created a new way for all of us to express our love to our children. Writing a love letter and sending it to them, or even putting a love letter into a book will be something Lina’s son can keep for ever. Its never too late to write to our children.
Its funny how we can say things and then later realise what we did say, and how it can impact on our children. I am learning new ways of being everyday and for that I am grateful.
Cheers
Lisa
You’re right, Lisa. It’s absolutely never too late. As long as you’re alive, it’s never too late to say I Love You.
How lucky Lisa is, to have your support Don.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your insights as a father and grandfather.
Lina
Absolutely beautiful Lisa, It has really made me think about my own parenting. My most favourite part of the letter is “Why do I take you for granted? You were given to me as a gift, and I will love forever.” This is something we can all take away and think about, and I think we are all guilty of taking our children for granted. When my babies were little -3 under 4 and by myself most of the time (my husband worked long hours and travelled overseas for weeks at a time), I use to wish for the day they would grow up and go to school – now if only I could have that time back I would do things so differently, I would sit and play and not care about the housework getting done or the things we are ‘suppose to do’. Thank you ladies for putting this out there for us to learn from.
Jackie, you make me even more grateful for my family and remind me to stay fully present, for as long as I can in each moment.
Lina xx
Absolutely Lina, don’t miss a minute of little Khoa and take the time to just sit and play (which I’m sure you do anyway) Thank you for your kind words.
Hi Jackie,
I am so grateful that we got to spend time with your family, and your gorgeous kids.
Its funny how we cant wait for them to grow up, and when they do we wish they were little again!
Amazing how we can show them so easily, that we do love them. I am taking the time each day to spend more time with our boys because they do grow to fast!
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lina,
Thank you so much for your amazing blog “Mothers Love Letters” and for giving me a chance to let my sons know how much they mean to me
Amazing how much can change in one year, and how much different life can be! When I look back two years ago – gosh I never thought our life would be this good. I never thought we could follow our dreams. Yet we are, and we will.
Looking forward to reading more of your gorgeous love letters to your son.
Cheers
Lisa
The pleasure is all mine, Lisa.
I’m so thrilled for you and your family. I love seeing your growth, day by day, and all that you continue to achieve.
It really is so inspiring.
Lina xx
“Letters like that are quite special and aren’t given without meaning. Not matter what happens I know mum loves me. Every day she is the best to me so I always try my best to be of some help. As one of my brothers said, I wouldn’t get anywhere without her guidance. Most young people never actually realise how much their mothers love them. A strong connection with a persons mother can be one of the most special things in his world. I do not know how I would go not joking around and talking with my mum. My sense of morality was developed by my mums guidance. Everything I know about being polite and being a gentleman also came from her guidance. When I grow into a man and reach my career dreams i’ll thank my mum and be grateful for her guidance just as I am now. My love for my mum is to large to imagine”
From one of the woody boys.
Thank You, Woody
I have a feeling that your mum was probably being a little hard on herself, in this letter.
But it’s only because she places so much expectation on herself.
It’s beautiful that you can joke around and talk with her, like you do. I really hope my son and I can do that, when he’s your age.
I’m so happy that you got to read this touching Mother’s Love Letter.
You make me wonder what it’ll be like, when my son can read all the letters that I’ve written to him.
Thank you for sharing your love for your mum with us here. It’s a real privilege for all of us old fogies!
Lina
I have had the privilege of meeting all of you woody boys and you are all absolutely gorgeous, polite, well behaved and caring young men. You are an absolute credit to your mum and dad. This letter will be embedded into your Mums heart forever, good on you for writing it.
Lisa,
From one parent to another, that is one of the most touching letters I have ever read.
Touching, courageous, and a heart full of adventure.
All the best to you and your family. I hope we cross paths on the open road
Hi Craig,
Thank you for your kind words.
Lately we have had so much changes in our family, and I wanted to be able to say thank you to my boys, and to let them know why I have made different choices. I have not always done things the right way, but I have done things because I wanted our life to be different.
This year has been a huge learning curve. One I will always be grateful for because our lifestyle has changed, and our way of parenting has changed.
When they are babies, and placed in our arms, we have so many dreams for them. Thank you to Lina and Mothers Love Letters I get to remember those dreams.
It would be so good to meet up with you guys somewhere around Australia
Cheers
Lisa
What a beautiful tribute to your gorgeous boys, each one so special. As a Mum there will always be a million things we second guess ourselves over, I wrote a little book one time to my own Mum and she cried and thought it the best present she’d ever received.
Your boys are a wonderful reflection of you both and strong individuals each in their own right…
Bravo!
ciao lisa xxx
Hi Lisa,
Wow – what a great idea, writing a love letter to your Mum – that would have been the best letter ever.
Its amazing how precious our kids are, yet we forget to take the time to show them.
This love letter was good for our family – the boys got to read how much we love them.
Cheers
Lisa
“What a amazing letter, it left me speechless after reading it. Have to say I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my parents. I am grateful for all they have done through out my life, advice they have gave me, for always being there for me and supporting me. I can say I honestly have the greatest parents in the world, If it wasn’t for them I would have never achieved my dream of reaching the defence force. I am very happy for my parents as well for there goals and dreams they have set in travelling Australia and haven’t let anything get in the way or stop that for achieving those goals and dream. Everything they have done in life has been for a reason and that was to make me a better person for who I am today. As much as I may have not shown it with my actions but I am very grateful for everything they have done for myself so far in my life. They have always been there for me through the rough times and good times and have supporter me all the way. If they never chose the decision to try and move our lifes forward and provide a better future for us I would just be in school still and working then wasting my weekends being out away from home with friends and playing sports, but because they made that decision to improve our life’s I have achieved my goal of becoming a member of the Australian Defence Force. I am very proud of my mum and Dad they mean the world to me and I can express enough how much I love them. I am very proud of my mum for writing that letter most wonderful letter I have ever read in my life”
From one of the woody boys – a response to his Mothers Love Letters.
Wow.
.
What a young man. What a mother.
What a family.
Thank you, Woody Boy
A Woody Boy Response
“I am trying my best to be a good boy. I have been trying telling Mum that I can’t control myself sometimes. I trying to change my life and be a boy people would like. The thing I like my family to be is to be nice and not fight all of the time”
From one of the woody boys as a reply to his Mothers Love Letter
What a beautiful dream for your family, young man. Even adults have trouble controlling themselves and being good all the time so don’t be so hard on yourself. You are a wonderful boy and very smart too.
Hi Lisa,
As parents we can all say and do things that we later regret. Having the courage to say sorry, and really mean it, and explain that that sort of behaviour is not good behaviour is difficult for many. Making mistakes is part of living – and by living we learn.
I’m sure your wonderful boys will grow to admire you enormously for your courage and strength to do things differently. They have already gained so much, they maybe just don’t realise it yet!
Keep on being the great mum you are and enjoy every minute with your boys (they’ll all be men before you know it).
Jan
Hi Jan,
Our boys sure can teach us so many things on so many levels. They do grow so fast, and are turning into young men before our eyes.
Saying sorry is such a little thing, yet its so hard to manage! I am so grateful that Lina has let us share our family on her amazing Mothers Love Letters blog site.
Cheers
Lisa
What an amazing letter Lisa. I have goosebumps and i love your boys responses in the comments.
You are all very lucky to have each other, even though we can never get parenting right or being a son or daugher right, it is evident that you all love each other, and that is the most important thing. You can get past the bumps with love.
The life you are living now will only bring you close as you share so many amazing memories and learn so much from each other.
“What I can change is how I am today, tomorrow and in the future.”
This is the most powerful lesson that each of us needs to know understand. The past never matters it is only what we are doing with this moment. Its our past that helps to guide and correct us.
So amazing to have met you online Lisa!
Hi Caz,
Changing our lifestyle sure is changing our mindset. Its true – our family are going to have life long memories that we will have with us for every.
The past is helping to change our future, as we are looking for more out of life! More time with our boys, and more love.
Cheers
Lisa
I have craved for a letter like this from my parents. For some sort of acknowledgement that all was not perfect, that thier way was not the only way, and sometimes they made a mistake. Sadly, it has been over 10 years of silence, they have missed so much, my children are 8 & 9.
Yet a positive has come from all that hurt, a promise to my kids that they will have more love, connection, communication, and most of all, acknowledgement that i am not always perfect, but i am here for them, uncondtionally.
Thanks for the reminder Lisa and friends.
10 years is a long time, not to communicate with one’s parents.
The promise you have made to your children, is beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Kev.
Lina
By the way, Kev – I also wanted to say that from you, I have learnt the lesson of acknowledging my imperfection to my children.
Thank you.
Lina
Hello Kev,
So sorry your parents have missed out on your kids life, as well as yours.
Life is funny – when I was younger I used to think how easy parenting is!! And how I would never say things to my kids like my parents said to me…..well now that I have my five boys I can see where my parents were coming from
I am not sure why our parents walk away (I have not heard from my Dad in over 6 years) but I do understand what he needs from his life.
Maybe one day your parents will take the time to get in touch, and will learn to appreciate what is really important in life.
I have always thought that its so good that we can choose our friends, because we do need people around us that show they care. Have you tried to send them another letter, or more updates so that they can share your kids amazing life?
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, your life and your kind words.
Cheers
Lisa
Wow, that was amazing Lisa, even though my parenting journey has just begun, I know there will be times when I will make mistakes. The bond I already feel for my unborn child is so strong, a bond that is very hard to put into words, I loved the paragraph “We would go for walks, and we would talk to you. I loved you before you were born, I loved you before you were made, and I love you more now that you are here.”
Thanks for sharing,
Belinda
Hi Belinda,
Life got in the way of my parenting. I had so many amazing dreams and little talks to each of my sons when I was carrying them. Yet life happened.
This letter let me share my love (once again) with each of my sons, for that I could never say Thank you enought to Mothers Love Letters!
I so agree with what you are saying “The bond I already feel for my unborn child is so strong, a bond that is very hard to put into words” – there is no words that can explain that bond.
All I can say (as a mum to our five boys) is never forget that bond…even on the days were its not easy! Funny how a little person is placed in your arms (after they are born)…..and they look at you with so much trust….so wish that they came with an instruction manual!
I now make many different choices with our parenting style, and they are for the benefit of all of us.
If I had my time over again, I would take more time to listen to them.
I am so looking forward to meeting your new little addition to your amazing family. Thank you for taking the time to share your gorgeous words.
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
That is an amazing letter to your boys. Congrats for making now the time for expressing yourself and your love for your boys.
The choice you have made to change your life inspires me and all your friends at SB. You have a long-term plan for your life and for your family, and with any change there is always some hardship of some kind, so don’t be so hard on yourself.
Thanks Lisa for the great reminder to say “I Love You”, and Lina for have such a great place to express it.
Cheers,
Cade
Hi Cade,
I am so grateful that I get to connect with you (and everyone at SB)
Life is amazing when you have a dream, and a goal, and are determined to succeed. No matter what happens in life, remember to dream big
Thank you for your kind words, and for your amazing support.
Writing to my sons has been such a blessing, it has helped to connect with my boys in many ways. I am grateful that Lina has let me writes this important letter – my boys get to read how important they are in life
Congratulations on your baby to be – you will be the best Dad.
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa
What an amazing love letter to your boys, they will cherish this forever. I think all parents look back and wish they had handled things differently. With hindsight it is very easy to work out the best way to handle things, but at the time we are driven with emotion.
Hi Kerry,
You are so spot on with your comment in many ways
I am very happy that I got a chance to share my love for my boys at Mothers Love Letters.
I actually sent the letter via email to my oldest before it went live (and let my other boys read it before I sent it to Lina) as I wanted them to know it was going online. Then I asked them what there thoughts were….they sure surprised me with the comments! I never expected this Mothers Love Letter to touch them in such a way.
It has been very good for all of our family to have a chance to write to our boys. I highly recommend it to every family
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Such a powerful article with beautiful words. Great that you are showing your boys alot of affection as it can really bring up the best in them. Since young I never had much words of praise or encouragement from my parents but I’m glad that you are doing it. Well done! Great work.
Wilson
Hi Wilson,
Sometimes in life, actions speak louder then words. Other times words are needed.
Its funny how in life, us parents think that our kids know we love them. Our fourth boy read the letter I wrote, and then looked at me with tears in his eyes. He did not realise that he was so precious to our family. I thought he knew it – now I make sure he does know it by our actions and our words.
Your parents love you, maybe you need to give them a hug and praise….that might open up the commmunication between all of you!
Thank you for your kind support and your words. You are important to our family:)
Cheers
Lisa
What can I say – excellent topic, excellent post, excellent comments.
As a parent it isn’t always easy to tell your children you have made a mistake, that you are sorry for your actions/words. Children need to hear from us that we are not perfect and we can stuff up, but that’s ok we can learn from our mistakes too and make changes.
It’s easier for children to accept their own mistakes being pointed out and apologize where necessary if they know that we are not applying a double standard. Do as I say, not do as I do!
Lisa you have set a very high standard here for other parents to follow.
It was always our experience as parents that once our girls reached a certain age if we left them long enough they usually figured things out for themselves (correctly) without us having to say too much.
The most important piece of advice I would give any parent – is to make sure there is an open line of communication between themselves and their children. Never be shocked or laugh at anything they may share with you and always allow them to express their opinion.
So from one parent/grandparent – congratulations to all concerned.
Cheers
JJ
Thank you, JJ.
As a new mother, I feel so privileged and grateful to receive your wisdom and experience.
Wonderful and thoughtful comment.
I appreciate you.
Lina
Hi Jenny,
Its so true – its easy to make mistakes, but not so easy to say sorry! Here I got to say everything that helped my family to connect in many ways.
You are spot on – communicate is really important when being a parent. That is the one thing that I am working on – and yep laughter is the best when kids say something that I never thought they would say
Thank you for the kind words.
Cheers
Lisa
Hey all,
Since this is a girl blog and I’m just a bloke I would ask everyone to join me in my Breast Cancer Awareness thingy I got going on over at a dude’s blog about blogging and his family.
Put up a pink ribbon (actually this site pink enough for my taste…lol) and join in!
(Please)
Hi Ken,
Thank you for being brave enough to leave a comment on a girly blog post!!! Actually its good to hear from a mans world…will have a look at Breast Cancer Awareness thingy that you have going over at your dudes blog!
Cheers
Lisa
This is so beautiful. Your letter really touched me (as well as your son’s response). I think none of us get the parenting thing right all the time. We are always works in progress. The important part of that equation is the progress part. x
Hi Wanderlust,
Thank you so much for your kind words..it was a really good way to re-connect with my family, and very healing.
Life is amazing – sometimes we go through a journey and get to the other side and everything is different.
This is one of those times – in the last 12 months everything has changed in our family, for the better!
Cheers
Lisa
Thank you so much for leaving your beautiful comment for Lisa, Kristin.
I love hearing what the rest of you – more experienced mothers – have to say and learning from you all.
Thank you Lisa for this Mothers Love letter, Showing of the Unconditional Love that comes form Mothers.
This post brought back so many memories and tears for me, especially memories of when I had to be both Mother and Father and making some very hard decisions alone.
It was not easy but My Children know how much I loved and Cared for them and often thank me, now they are parents themselves
Wow Lisa, I think you were very brave to write that letter for the world to see. It is poignant and beautiful. As a parent I can relate to some of the things you said, we all can. I’m sure it must have made your family bond stronger for sharing your feelings, admitting frustrations and regrets but Hey! you have done something about it and life sure is looking good now.
Hello Jenny,
I am not brave – just wanted my boys to see and read how much I do love them. Its really important for my family to realise that they mean so much to me, and I am so grateful to Lina for letting me be apart of her Mothers Love Letters idea by sharing my love for my boys.
Life is amazing – having a dream, with a goal and a desire to change things sure helps in life.
Cheers
Lisa
OMG Lisa. You have brought tears to my eyes.
xo
Your letter is so beautiful.
I did not know you before this year but from having the great fortune to not only meet you and your gorgeous family but to spend a week on your property with you, I think you are doing an absolutely amazing job at being a great mum. I can even say that I learned a thing or two from you.
As you mentioned we are not given a parenting book when we give birth and everything is always new and sometimes challenging. But as mums we do the best that we know how to do.
I believe that you not only inspire your boys but you also inspire all of your readers.
Congratulations for going against the herd.
Keep growing and guiding.
Loving your stuff.
Dee
Hello Dee,
Thankyou for your kind words. Meeting your family was so good for all of us – as I got to see how amazing you are with your two teenage children! Actually I should say a huge thank you as I got to see you and Wes in action with your gorgeous kids – you both inspired me with how you speak so kind to your children, and how much they love you.
Parenting sure is trying, learning, discovering and exploring new ways of being. I love how my boys teach me to be a better person.
Thank you for stopping here and leaving your kind words.
Cheers
Lisa