Dear Mom,

You are so beautiful. Everyday I see more and more of myself in you, and every time I talk to you about your past it reminds me of who I am. You have a free spirit, you know. When you talk about your past I pray and hope I can be half the women you are.

I think of all the stories you tell me, and the stories I have yet to hear, and I see myself in your shoes. You were adventurous and constantly moving. You craved for new places to place in your back pocket of memories, and you went out and grabbed these memories for your own. You did exactly what you wanted, and you never ever allowed yourself to be told you couldn't do something. I think you see that in me; I think you see all of this in me. I think it scares you sometimes, but only because you're scared I'll fly away and never come back to visit. It's okay though, I promise you, I will come back.

You make me laugh when you talk about my dad and you. Every story, I see you as strong and beautiful. Mostly I see you as independent. I think people tend to lose themselves in love, but you never ever did.

I know you defend me all the time, and I know for the rest of my life you will continue to defend and push me towards my dreams. I am enough for you as I am, and I know that you'll always love me. You should know that I will always love you.

I am leaving soon you know, I mean less than a year is not a long time. Before I go, you should know that I love you and that I strive to be you. Sure, we have different goals and dreams, but you are my mother and we are forever connected in a way no one, not even I, will ever understand.

I love you more than you will ever know. No matter where I go in the world, you will always be in my heart...and I promise I'll call you every once in a while to remind you you have a crazy loving daughter like me. I love you.

Your loving daughter,

Jalyn Cox