By the time this article posts, it will be Mother’s Day in the United States. A day best celebrated with overpriced flowers, elementary school glitter glue projects, and sloppy breakfasts in bed. Moms admire their children’s gifts with smiles of approval, and the children bask in the glory that they have done something good for mom on her special day. No matter how small the gift is, it shows an appreciation that can be captured for a fleeting moment.
As kids grow up and no longer make crafts for their moms, this appreciation dwindles. “Happy Mother’s Day” is almost said in passing. Teenagers are apathetic to the holiday as they go about their daily routines. A day that was spent so joyously in the years prior becomes a normal day. We are missing out on the indebtedness we have to our mothers, and we need this back.
That’s why this year and in all following years I am proposing a revitalization of Mother’s Day. Let me begin this process by expressing my own love and gratitude for my mom.
Thank you, mom, for being the best listener ever. For when I tell you stupid, pointless stories to the times when I express my deepest and darkest fears, you listen and offer understanding. At all times, you hear me, and you truly internalize what I am saying.
Thank you, mom, for wiping my tears away. Thank you for accepting my grief as it was and supporting me through each day, both good and bad.
Thank you for never giving up on me, even though it was so incredibly difficult sometimes. I was so full of hurt and anger, but you embraced me and guided me towards positivity, even through your own pain.
Thank you for showing me love through laughter. You always said laughter is the best medicine and I have grown to hold this truer than ever. You taught me to see the light in the darkness. Thank you for giving me the happiness I carry with me everywhere I go.
Thank you for affirming me. Even in times of struggle and despair. I was always amazing and wonderful in your eyes. Thank you for letting me know how proud you are of me every day.
Its my turn to let you know how proud I am of you, too.
I am proud that you broke the chains of ignorance and desired higher education. You left your small town and became a truly independent woman, taking classes whilst working a corporate job. You always pushed Jim and me to reach for the stars and higher education is a way to do that. Thank you for valuing school so highly.
I am proud that you did it all by yourself. Without any family support and dealing with your own grief and suffering, you were completely alone. You were and continue to be the best mom I could have ever asked for. I’m sorry if at any time I made you doubt that. I am so beyond proud to call you my mother.
You are the strongest, most incredible woman I have ever met. You are my teacher, my role model, my guidance, and most importantly, my inspiration to be a better person each and every day.
I love you so much mom, Happy Mother’s Day!
