Until I left home to be a real person, you’re the one who saw me off every morning and the one who drove me to school when I missed the bus. Day in, day out, you’re the one who saw me at my best and my worst. You gave me reassurance when none of my friends were around. If I had a bad day, we’d go shopping and I’d feel better before I knew it (but not because of the shopping). You taught me not to sweat the small stuff.
I knew when I moved away, it’d be different. I was torn. You were, too. Of course, you want me to go off and be a real person; I’d never learn to be be totally independent if I stayed at home.
Now that we’re not under the same roof anymore, I realize just how lucky I am to have you as a mom. I miss you and how we used to just hang out and do boring stuff all day. For some reason, that stuff isn’t boring with you. I know that no matter where I live, when I say “home” I mean wherever you are.
And it’s funny now how the lessons you taught me play in my head even when you’re not around. You’re not afraid to dish the real advice that I don’t want to hear. You’re the queen of much-needed reality checks (and I definitely need those). When I get lost and confused, you remind me of who I am. I can’t imagine having a better role model.
You’re always asking when I’m coming home. I know that I always have a safe haven, no matter what happens in my life. Everyone uses the phrase “living with their parents” like it’s a death sentence, but I know how lucky I am to have a place to go if I need to.
I know your life is busy, too. I’m glad that you get to have a little more independence now. You deserve that. We’re both adults nowadays; we’re more like equals... okay, maybe not. But I want to be there for you, too.
But my life gets crazy busy these days. I write Call mom on my to-do list everyday...but then a friend wants to hang out and, before I know it, it’s too late to bother you.
I can’t imagine how hard it would be if there wasn’t Facebook, phones, or Skype. Still, it’s hard to plan those video chats. Even when we don’t talk constantly, I know we’re there for each other. You’re number one on my speed dial. And let me tell you, we have so much to talk about!
Love always,
S
