The Pacifier Tree

Dear Pacifier,

I am writing you on behalf of my daughter. Well, actually she would probably be pretty pissed if she knew that I was contacting you, so let’s keep this little letter between us.

I hate to do this and be the bearer of bad news, but the time has come…

It’s time for you and my daughter to move on from each other. You are no longer benefiting one another and I cannot approve of this relationship any longer. You are breaking-up.

I’m sorry.

Oh, Pacifier, I do love you. I mean I love you, a lot. You have been there for all three of my children anytime they needed you and you were sure as heck there for me whenever I needed some noise relief. Though sometimes you would hide and I would have a major freak out because my daughter would be crying and you were nowhere to be found, you always made your way back to us. You were always gentle and soothing and would help when you were needed. I could not be more grateful for the peaceful hours of sleep you gave to me and for how you would help me diffuse meltdowns. I cannot appreciate any more the fact that you made my child feel safe and secure. And I sure as heck owe the world to you for providing comfort to her when my breasts could no longer stand being suckled on.

So, if things were so good between us and between you and her, then why am I ending this connection and cutting off your bond. Well because literally, if I don’t cut ties with you now, on behalf of her, then I will have to literally cut you — yep, the tippy top of you that is — and even then, there is a chance she will still want you…so that is why you have to leave NOW.

Although I am slightly fearful of my new life without you in it…we have been at this crossroads twice before…and we got through it. And my children, well they are all the better because of your eventual separation and my youngest will be too. Without you in our lives, my daughter will talk more, she will improve her language skills and vocalize her likes and dislikes. She will learn to self-soothe — a skill that all people need to develop. And, let’s face it…you no longer being a part of our lives will force me to hone my self-soothing skills, as well.

You want to know another reason I am breaking things of with you? Because she is starting school in August. Yep, and they do not allow for you to come with her. This is for the best. I know it is hard, but try to understand.

Pacifier…I look at you like “The Giving Tree”. Just like that tree, you gave my daughter, and all my kids, selfless love; you remained a constant for them despite being thrown on the ground, stepped on, yanked on, bite, etc. And like the giving tree, you remained there for my children from the day of their birth through their first year and a half of life. Now, we have reached a point and time where there is nothing left for you to give to my daughter.

It is time for the world to give to her and for her to give to the world, without you by her side, or rather I should say, in her mouth.

Thank you for all you have done for us, but it’s time we say ‘goodbye’.

Respectfully,

A Pacifier-Loving Mom