Mom,
The title of "mom" is accurate, but doesn't directly describe the relationship that we have. I consider you more of my best friend, which isn't something all girls my age can say about their mothers. You have been there for me since day 1 and have groomed me into the young adult that I am today. Today, I want to thank you for some of the things that I cherish most deep in my heart.
For starters, thank you for attending every softball game and tournament I had the privilege to actively participate in. The endless road trips to each new tournament destination was a commitment I knew that I had, but did not understand you bared as well. I know now just how much time you sacrificed out of your own life in order to watch me play the sport I loved time and time again. It always makes me happy that even since I have retired from playing, you still bring up how happy it made you to watch me play. I can't stress enough how good it feels to know that my hobby, and a very big chunk of my life was so heavily supported by you.
Secondly, I want to say thank you for teaching me to be the conscientious and hardworking student that I am today. From the very tender age of 6 in Kindergarten, you taught me just how important getting an education is, and inspired me to actually WANT to learn rather than feeling like I was ever forced to go to school. I was never the kid to wake up and complain about having to take that bus ride every morning and I don't think you ever once had to tell me to do my homework after school. You instilled in me an innate maturity and passion for learning and I want to thank you for your help with that, as I would not have accomplished half the things I have today if it wasn't for you.
Thank you for your endless life advice. You always seem to know just when I need to hear something and you never fail to make me feel better. I know I get closed off when I am upset and prefer not to talk about it at times but thank you for never accepting it when I push you away. Thank you for wrapping me in your arms when I am at my weakest points and always reminding me that I am loved and cared for, regardless of whatever situation is happening in life.
Thank you for teaching me how to be strong. Life happens when we least expect it too, and we can let it make us bitter, or we can choose to overcome the challenges we face. No one could have been prepared for what you endured but nobody else I know could've come out of the situation as positively and hopeful as you. I admire your strength each and everyday, even though I know how much of a struggle it can be for you. We take for granted the simplest things in life but you have taught me how to make the most out of everyday and never take a single thing as simple as going for a run for granted. I will never understand why this was God's plan but I am forever hopeful and positive that something amazing is going to come out of this. If anything, you've taught me so many lessons along the way with your journey, that I will forever hold within my heart.
Lastly, thank you for raising me to be like you. You are the most kind-hearted, selfless, determined person I know and I hope I can be half the woman you are someday. Your strength throughout the trials in your life has projected onto me the ability to recognize that life is going to get you down, it's inevitable, but we are the only ones who can control the way we react to these challenges. Thank you for always being there for me, answering my obnoxious amount of phone calls to help me de-stress during finals week, and lastly, being one of the most amazing people I've ever had the privilege to know. You can't choose your family, but given the choice, I'd choose you every time. I love you more than words could express.
Love,
Me
