I always told myself I was never going to be anything like my mom. I envied her when she told me no (which felt like all the time) and I promised myself that I would never be like her. I would be the cool mom, the one that let their child do whatever they wanted to and let them have whatever they asked for. No wouldn’t be in my vocabulary. But her I am, 19 years old and grown up, and I hope and pray that someday I will be half the woman my mom is.
To my amazing mom,
I am not even sure where to begin because I feel like I have so much to say. 19 years ago you brought into this world and helped mold me into the woman I am today. I would have never been able to go through life without you. You took me to every sporting event and made sure I was there 10-15 minutes early (we were never late to ANYTHING). You cooked me dinner every night and made sure I liked whatever was on the menu because I am the pickiest eater of all. You cleaned up after me and said, “someday your college roommate will think you’re a pig because you can never put you clothes away”. Well here I am 19 years down the road and you installed in me the art of hanging and folding my clothes.
I took for granted all the nights at home snuggled on the couch just talking and watching a movie, or the mother daughter dates that we had (even though there were few I miss them now more than ever). You are the best friend I could have ever asked for. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be calling my mom my best friend, I would have laughed in your face. But as time goes on I appreciate your friendship more and more each day.
I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you. Thank you for giving me wings to fly. Thank you for always believing in me and for helping me to achieve even my wildest dreams. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong even if the discussion turned into a blood bath. Thank you for never letting go of me when we fight even when I try to push you away, and for always giving me just one more hug and kiss. Thank you for being my strength when I can't seem to find any in myself. And most of all, thank you for being my mom.
I know at times it seems like I don't appreciate you and everything that you do for me, but I want you to always know that you molded me into the person I am today. And for that I am forever grateful. People always tell me I am a spitting image of you. In my actions, tone of voice, and most of all, looks. That is the biggest compliment I could ever receive. I hope that someday when I have children of my own, I can be as great of a mom as you are to me. As time goes on and I start to gain some independence, I want you to know that I'll always be your little girl. I love you forever and always, to the moon and back, times a million. Thank you for being one hell of a mom and for being the best role model a girl could ever ask for. I can't wait to see where life takes us next.
Love,
Emma
