Every year, there is one day we celebrate and treasure mothers all around the world. The definition of a mother can vary from one household to the next; for one person, it might literally be their mother, the woman who gave him/her life. For another, it could be the mother of a friend who has filled the empty role. Regardless of who someone considers to be a mother, there are many women around the world who deserve the appreciation.
However, these women should not be appreciated just on this one day. Instead, they should receive such love and gratitude every minute of every day. Sounds like a simple task, yet we easily forget to do so. This is my way of reminding my mother just how much she is loved and cherished every minute of every day of every year, even if I don’t always show it.
My Dearest Mother,
Your strength is inspiring; your kindness is admirable; your love is unconditional. There aren’t enough words for me to string together in the right way to say what I need to say, but I will certainly try my best. You have taught me almost everything I know, and somehow along the way I have taught you a thing or two here and there. You never cease to remind me of my "difficult-ness" as you gave birth to me, but you also remind me that in the end it was all worth it. I’ve continued to dish out my fair share of stubbornness these last 20 years, but I hope you still think it was all worth it.
You’ve had your fair shares of struggles throughout your life. Whether they may be with family, friends, work, or just life in general, you have always faced each and every one head on. This is where your strength shines the brightest. You never cease to amaze me watching just how much you can handle. No matter the curve ball that life throws, you fire back with one of your own. The strength you possess is like an impenetrable fortress. From a distance, it is solid, sturdy, and looks to remain that way until the end of time. As you get a little closer, you begin to see the various small cracks and weathered edges from years of trials and tribulations.
Looking at you in this way, I’m amazed you are still standing, and yet I’m not. This is just who you are as a mother and a person. You throw yourself and all your strength into anything that needs your attention. I have no doubt that you are my prime example of what inner and outer strength should look like. Any time I must face a new hurdle in my life, especially when it is bigger than the one that came before, I look to you as a guide for my own strength to jump over such hurdles with ease.
Your kindness is just as moving as your strength. With a smile on your face and a sparkle in your eye, you give so much more than you receive. There are times that I wish I was more like you in this regard. You provide people with so much hope and happiness, myself included, with so many of your actions. Giving a simple compliment, listening with a compassionate ear and offering a helping hand are only a few of the many selfless gifts you’ve given to so many people that have been a part of your story. Even those who don’t always deserve the kindness from your heart, you can’t help but push aside the resistance and give it your all anyway. You’ve always said that actions speak louder than words. I can say with absolute confidence that you embody this saying entirely.
The love you provide is connected completely to your kindness; they are almost one in the same. So often the kindness you show to others comes from a place of love, understanding and patience. Qualities like these are necessary for a mother, especially when dealing with her children because they are not always easy—I’m sure you can attest to that. At the end of the day, though, all you can do is show your love and hope it is returned. I can only hope I have returned as much love as you have given me, if not more.
You are my rock, my best friend, my guiding light and even sometimes my sanity. In the words of the wise Meredith Grey: You are my person. I can honestly say that I don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be without you. I definitely would not be the version of me I am today. You’ve taught me honesty and reality; in other words, the world is as the world is, and there is no sugar coating or soft bed of pillows to land on. However, you’ve also made quite clear that such things don’t matter if you have drive and determination. Dream big. Know your limitations, understand them, and then find your way around them. All of these elements will be the stepping stones to every single one of your desires.
We might not have always seen eye to eye on everything, but what parent and child do? You chauffeured me to school, sports, appointments and more without complaint. Now it’s almost a blessing because it was extra time we were able to spend together. You cheered me on from the sidelines and cheered me up at my bedside. Your support has and always will be endless. We have our own little traditions, an almost scary version of telepathy and a talking speed that no one is able to match. Our bond is unbreakable, which is just how I want it to be now and forever. No one is perfect, but I think you are as close as it gets.
You are my hero, Mom, plain and simple.
