Dear Mom,

If you're reading this letter, I just want to say happy Mother's Day, and thank you for raising me like a man and always being there for me. Since Dad left us for 10 years, you bought clothes for me and Arthur (my older brother), cooked healthy meals for us - whether it's African food or spaghetti - and you helped prepare us for the real world. You told us to stay out of trouble, go to college, and be independent. Well, I broke the #1 rule, but I changed my life after I read this book called "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" this year. You probably read the book or saw the movie in the past.

You and I will argue in the car, in the apartment, on the phone, or by texting each other. After, you will always threaten to kick me out of the apartment and make me live with Dad, but I always refuse to live with him. Therefore, I usually keep my mouth shut, go to my room, and take an L. (If you know what that means)

Last year, you gave me a picture of you and Dad together back in the 90s and told me to keep it. You told me to remember it, so I won't forget you guys in the future, whether you guys are in Liberia or have passed away. However, I don't talk to Dad nor see him anymore.

Anyway, you're one of the people that I look up to in this world. Ever since I was a baby, you have always taken care of me, because that's what a mother is supposed to do. I promised you that I will become a teacher and an Olympian at the same time, and take care of you. Believe me!

Love, your beautiful son, Henry Nuah Lyon.

P.S. I hope you're doing fine in Liberia and I can't wait to see you next month. I love you!