Dear Mom,
I have so much to say to you on your birthday. You've been my constant pillar of support ever since I've been here, listening to my thoughts and rants and problems. You've always placed yourself before me and sacrificed so much for me. I have so much to thank you for.
Firstly, thank you for birthing me, because I imagine it was an extremely painful and uncomfortable process. It shows the strength you had from the beginning.
Secondly, thank you for being there when I needed a hug, or I needed to cry, or I needed to rant, or anything really. Thank you for being a constant reminder that you care and that I always have a warm blanket of support that I can run back to once I tire of the real world.
Thirdly, thank you for yelling at me when I needed it. When I was acting stupid or being rude. I probably deserved it, and I'm glad that I (hopefully) didn't turn into a spoiled little brat. You're the reason my dorm is so insanely organized and the reason I actually remember how to do my laundry properly.
Fourthly, thank you for trying to understand my problems, and supporting my solutions to them even if you don't understand the problem itself. These things are hard for others to understand, but even if you fully don't, at least I can say you'll always support the ways I fix my problems.
Fifthly, thank you for feeding me good old homemade Indian food, even if I thought it was gross in the beginning. Now, in college, I find that I miss that food the most, and I miss the times when we ate it together.
Sixthly, thank you for being so strong in the face of so many obstacles. It showed me true strength and guided me to become strong the way you are. True strength is coming home tired after the office, and still having time for kids and being a mother. True strength is overcoming differences, stresses, and obstacles. You are truly a model of someone who can get through anything with a brave face, and I wish I was as strong as you are.
I could continue on and on forever, but that would eventually get tiresome to read. For now, just know I appreciate you more than these words can say, and I love you more than I can ever express. You are the best mother anyone could've ever asked for. And I'm sorry for the times I ever questioned that or took it for granted.
Dear Mom: happy birthday.
Love,
Mithi