To My Mom,

All of my life you have been there. From the time I became a human in your tummy, to my first day of preschool, to the day I moved into my dorm freshman year at Illinois State, you’ve been there through it all. I may have not always appreciated what you’ve done for me (especially during those terrible middle and high school years), but there is one thing that has never changed, my love for you.

Though I tell you that I love you all the time, whether it be in a text, call, or the few times I see you when I’m not at school, I wanted to take extra time this week to tell you just how big my love for you is. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met, and this month, Pinktober, is just a reminder to me of the strength and love you have in your heart, and the love I have for you in mine.

I’ll admit, watching you fight your battle with cancer wasn’t easy for me, and there were times when even though I hoped that love and my belief in God would be enough to save you, it seemed like it wouldn’t be. Those moments though were fleeting and few and far between, because the strength and love you had for your family kept you pushing through each day, and pushing even harder when times got rough. Watching you overcome the obstacles God handed you, and do it with such a positive attitude made me realize that I had one of the strongest and most beautiful mom’s in the world and that no one could ever replace you. Your journey showed me how truly strong and incredible of a woman you are, and how a warrior in pink truly can do anything that they put their mind too. Your strength inspires me every day to be stronger, and the fight that you have inside of you inspires me to always stand up for myself and what I believe in no matter how hard or terrifying it may be.

So now, when people tell me that I look like you, or sound like you, or that I’m turning into you, I don’t roll my eyes and get upset that they don’t see me for just me. Instead, I laugh, smile, and say “Yep, I pretty much am!” because it makes me so happy to know that they see your beautiful and kind self in me, even if just a little bit. If I grow up to be at least half the woman you are today, I would be incredibly happy, as you are the best person someone could have in this life. Your kindness and generosity radiate from you, whether at home with your family or at work with your students, when anyone is around you, they know you can be a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or a friend to laugh with. Your love for everyone in this world is enormous, and it shows in everything that you do.

So yes, I am proud to be my mother’s daughter. I am proud that I chose to go to the same college as you (GO ISU REDBIRDS), chose to major in education just like you, and will one day shape the minds of the youth of this world like you have for so many years. I pray that I can be half the teacher you are, and make a lasting impact on my students like you have on yours and be the mom my kids want to have around just like you have been for me.

I love you, Mom. Though it may be simple, there is no better way to say it. You make my life brighter, you make me believe in love, and you remind me each and every day that there is no giving up in this life, but that you’ve always got to give it all you got. Thank you for always giving me the world and more Mom, I love you.

XOXO,

Your Daughter