NEWSSerena Williams’ Heartfelt Letter To Her Mom Will Leave You Speechless
Sept. 20 2017, Updated 2:56 p.m. ET
Serena Williams is experiencing all the feels of being a new mom, after welcoming her first child, daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr.
The tennis pro, who gave birth earlier this month, penned a touching and emotional letter to her mom, Oracene Price, about her new life as a mother and what it has been like to see life through new eyes as a mom.
“You are one of the strongest women I know,” Serena began her open letter, published on her fiancé, Alexis Olympia Ohanian’s website, Reddit.
As the letter continued, Serena wrote about how she already sees herself in her baby girl, specifically their physical likeness, and how she hopes Alexis doesn’t have to bear any of the body-shaming she has had to experience throughout her career.
“I was looking at my daughter (OMG, yes, I have a daughter ?) and she has my arms and legs! My exact same strong, muscular, powerful, sensational arms and body,” she wrote. “I don't know how I would react if she has to go through what I've gone through since I was a 15 year old and even to this day.”
The athlete then began to talk about the criticism she’s faced and the false accusations she’s had to endure because of her athletic build.
“I've been called man because I appeared outwardly strong,” she wrote. “It has been said that that I use drugs (No, I have always had far too much integrity to behave dishonestly in order to gain an advantage). It has been said I don't belong in Women's sports -- that I belong in Men's -- because I look stronger than many other women do. (No, I just work hard and I was born with this bada*s body and proud of it). “
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The letter then shifted back to her mom, as Serena wrote, “I'm not sure how you did not go off on every single reporter, person, announcer and quite frankly, hater, who was too ignorant to understand the power of a black woman.” She continued, “I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like. We don't all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud!”
Before concluding her letter, the new mom sang her mama’s praises one last time.
“You are so classy, I only wish I could take your lead. I am trying, though, and God is not done with me yet. I have a LONG way to go, but thank you. Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships that I now regard as a challenges--ones that I enjoy,” she wrote. “I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia the same, and have the same fortitude you have had. Promise me, Mom, that you will continue to help. I'm not sure if I am as meek and strong as you are yet. I hope to get there one day. I love you dearly.”
The tennis star then signed off, “Your youngest of five, Serena.”
What did you think of Serena’s open letter to her mom? Sound off in the comments!
