Mom,
It has not always been easy and it definitely has not always been glamorous, but I will tell you one thing, you always made the best of it. Being a single mom takes so much more than people can comprehend. Knowing you makes me truly believe "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers," because Mom, you are the strongest woman I know.
The beginning is the toughest of any journey and single motherhood is no different. Figuring out where to live, how to juggle everything, and how to make enough money on your own is a burden no one should have to bear, but you took this thorn and made it into a rose as best you could. Our little family became closer than ever through all of the heartache we experienced because at least we experienced it together.
You refused to let your children see you struggle, always putting on a happy face for us, but I knew you better than that. I knew how hard you worked just to keep us afloat and how much harder you worked near Christmas doing three jobs just to get us presents. You refused to give up traditions, so you made new ones. And not a year goes by that we miss a camping trip or Christmas eve.
Mom, I look up to you in every way possible. We are alike and different at the same time and we compliment each other so well. Growing up with you as a role model has helped mold me into the person I am today, and I am so thankful for that.
When you grow up with a single mom you become their greatest companion, their "ride or die." Mom, you have always said that us kids are your best friends, and I have a secret for you, you are my best friend too. After everyone that has walked in and out of our lives you are the one who has remained constant. You are my rock.
I often tease you for giving me some genes I am not rather proud of, like my hips or my boring brown eyes. And I thank you for the genes that blessed me with a chest and a flat stomach. But none of these traits come close to the important characteristics you have given me. You have shown me how to be strong, how to laugh through the pain, how to have a love for life, how to be humble, and how to respect.
You are the most selfless person I know. You give all that you have not only to us but to everyone around you. You are the hardest worker, biggest hugger, loudest laugher, and best friend a person could ask for. You are under appreciated by many around you because there is no sufficient way to truly thank you for all that you do. But just know that I will never forget everything you have done and continue to do for our family.
Thank you for being my mother, my supporter, my rock, and my best friend. Keep on kicking single motherhood's ass.
Love always,
Your daughter
