My mom has always been one of my best friends. Growing up, her and my dad were the constants among all the inconsistency in my life. She was the one that made me strong, the one that wrote me “doctor's notes” when I needed a little bit of extra sleep, and the one who knew who my real friends were going to be way before I did (weird how moms can do that, right?)
Being used to always having her around, I knew that it would be hard when I left for college. I knew that I would miss her...but I never really knew how much. Now that I’m finishing up my freshman year of college, I cannot say that I have ever appreciated my mom as much as I do now.
My first year of college was rough, to say the least; not academically, but a lot of negative things that have impacted who I am and how I look at life happened. Through all of it, my mom was there. She dropped things that were important to her to make sure I was okay. She stepped out of meetings to talk to me when I was having a bad day, and she even drove an hour to my campus to pick me up at midnight to go home when I had lost my wallet and was unable to pay for gas and drive myself. When I thought that I would be going through these times alone, she was there.
I have always known that my mom was selfless; it's one of the first and foremost things that makes her who she is. But, I don’t think I have ever understood how amazing she was until this year. My mom was not only there for me, but for my friends. She took them out on Easter when they couldn’t go home, brought food for my roommate, and comforted them when I was at my lowest and they were worried. The best part of all of this isn’t that she did it, it’s that it came so naturally to her. My mom didn’t do it to be thanked, she did it because that’s just the kind of person she is.
If I’m like my mom when I grow up, I'll know that I’ve done everything right. Even with my being an hour or two away, she still finds a way to support me the exact amount that she did when I was at home. I know it’s said that moms put their children’s needs in front of their own, but she takes it above and beyond that. I have never felt more loved and appreciated for my mom that I have this year.
Maybe this article isn’t relatable, maybe it is. But honestly, my mom deserves the world, and if I can give her a piece of it by publishing this then I will. People who read this need to know how amazing she is because she is so unrecognized for all that she has done for not just me, but everyone. She is a woman of character and class, one of love and a charm that people just connect with (although she may be a bit shy). She is an exceptional mother and wife, and an incredibly hard worker. She strives to get the best out of everyone, even if that means sacrificing herself. I could not ask for a stronger woman figure in my life, and she deserves for every day to be Mother’s Day.
Yes, the phone calls can become a lot to handle (three times a day is a little much) but there is no one else that I would want to talk for hours with. Yes, sometimes I tell her stories from college that she would probably be better off without hearing, but there is no one else I would rather laugh with. And yes, sometimes I don’t show my appreciation enough, but there is no one else I would rather call my mom.
I love you, mom. Happy Mother’s Day.
