The day I was born, my mother was shocked to find out she had given birth to a little girl. The doctor had told her that she was a having a boy: her third. From the day I was born, my mother and I have been close. While she did dress me up in dresses, bows, matching jewelry and frilly socks to match; I loved every minute that we spent together.
As I grew older, family and friends began to tell me I was just like my father. I was stubborn, witty and determined. I always thought the reason my mother and I got along so well was because I was like my dad.
When I became a teenager, my mother’s friends warned her, “oh, just wait till she hits her rebellious stage!” But that rebellious stage never came. I continued to spend more time with my mother; we went shopping, had our nails done and just enjoyed spending time together occasionally eating raw cookie dough and watching murder mystery shows.
By the time I was in high school, things began to change. Not in the way you may think, but by the fact that my mother became my most trusted friend. While I had plenty of friends and one best friend in particular that I told my secrets to, I knew I could always turn to my mother whenever I had questions about school, friends, boyfriends or whatever else I needed advice with.
My mother has always been a very loving and caring woman. All through elementary, middle and high school, she was there: volunteering, making snacks for school events, chaperoning my field trips and even hand-making class t-shirts for every student in my grade to wear on field day. She is a woman that continuously gives to others without expecting anything in return.
Now that I am in college and have been thrust into the world of part-time jobs, college classes and paying bills, everything my mother has taught me is finally paying off. She always taught me to be responsible, keep track of my money and work hard for the things I want in life. She taught me that love is important and family should come first.
Every day when I wake up in the morning, I try to be more like my mother. I try to be caring, and I try to remember to laugh. My mother has a very distinct laugh that is infectious to all that hear it. I try to remember to enjoy the little things and not get too stressed out about things I can’t control. She has spoiled me with care, support and amazing memories that I will always cherish.
While I’m not exactly like my mother just yet, I hope that I can be at least a quarter of the person she is one day. She has taught me to enjoy my life and everything that comes with it. She encouraged me to follow my heart and to trust my gut when it comes to making the right decision. She did everything she could to make sure my wedding this past December was absolutely perfect and stress free.
I know that if I ever utter the phrase, "I'm turning into my mother," then I must be doing something right. Without her guidance and love, I would not be the same person I am today. Thank you for everything and for being my best friend.
