Dear Mom,
We’re both flourishing in age (not old just growing), but I would like to grow stronger, together. A mother-daughter relationship is not always the easiest, which is why I am dedicating all of my life’s thoughts and actions to you.
When I was little, you were my go to, my shoulder to lean on, and my role model. I would sit in the back of the car in my car-seat and annoy you with my made up stories or questions. Throughout my adolescent days, I would cling to you because you made me feel secure. No matter what I would do, I knew you were always close to me.
I started growing up. I got to middle school and I didn’t think of you as my security blanket. In my head, we lost our connection. In my head, I didn’t think you understood me. In my head, I wanted to run away and become independent, but you never gave up on me. Even when I didn’t think you were there for me, you were. Sometimes you would forget to pick me up on time and I would be so mad. But really, you were only doing something else to keep the family going. At the time, I did not understand your busy life trying to keep everything together. I thought you were against me. I thought you didn’t want me to be a kid. When you would say no and I did not like that answer, you didn’t fight me back. When I would scream rude things at you, you would not scream back. I shut you out, but you never gave up on me.
Now I am 18 years old, sitting in a dorm room without you. While I sit here alone, I think about how much you gave up for me and the rest of the family. You gave up a lot to be my mom, and I appreciate you and everything you do. It must be hard because kids don’t understand what it takes to be a mom, but I do. I want you to know that all daughters take time to grow, but we always come back.
Recently, Beyoncé spoke about mothers and said, “The women cannot be contained” and you shouldn’t be. You stopped your life to raise selfless children to change the world for better, and you should be proud of everything you have accomplished. You did your part and raised strong children, now go flourish in ways that make you happy.
Through thick and thin, you will always be the strongest woman I know. Through thick and thin, you will always be my mom and I love you for that.
Sincerely,
Your daughter.
