Ever since I was a little girl, I had been told that I'm "just like my mother"; be that looks, personality, mannerisms -- I have heard it all. I always acknowledged this, but never really thought about it extensively. However, I have slowly come to realize, it's the greatest compliment I could ever receive. I mean, for nine months my mother carried my extra weight. She was there for my first words, my first steps (or scoots, rather), my first day of school. Maybe this spurred my separation anxiety in kindergarten... To be perfectly honest, I still have the slightest separation anxiety. I'm at college now, but I miss being home with her, our random car rides, lunch outings, shopping sprees -- I miss it all.
I always cringed whenever I would hear people I knew talk badly about their moms. You name it, I've heard it, "I hate my mom," "My mom is the worst," "I wish I had your mom instead of my mom."
I never understood and could never imagine saying this myself. I get that my mom cares a lot about me and the things I do, probably a lot more than other moms. This used to bug me, but especially recently, I have come to appreciate this. As I've gotten older, I've come to realize just how important a mother is. Obviously she's important during your childhood, but as far as adulthood goes, she's already experienced the same things I'm going through. She gives me food for thought and she lets me bounce ideas off of her. She even lets me give her music suggestions (perhaps that's why her favorite artist is Flo Rida). So...
Mom,
Thank you for being my cheerleader and my friend, but most importantly, my teacher. Thank you for teaching me how to love, how to laugh, how to sing, how to forgive, how to be the bigger person. Thank you for pushing me to do better and to be better. Thank you for teaching me to be compassionate, show mercy, be responsible, and to take initiative. For inspiring me, encouraging me to follow my dreams, for always being there to offer advice and support, thank you.
“As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. She is the beating of my heart. I cannot now imagine a life without her.” --Kristin Hannah, "Summer Island"
“Mothers, I believe, intoxicate us. We idolize them and take them for granted. We hate them and blame them and exalt them more thoroughly than anyone else in our lives. We sift through the evidence of their love, reassure ourselves of their affection and its biological genesis. We can steal and lie and leave and they will love us.” --Megan Mayhew Bergman, "Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Stories"
Although at times it may seem like I want nothing to do with you, I can assure you that's not the case. I'm young and dumb, and even though I think I know what's best for myself, you of all people know that I do not always know as much as I think I do. So thank you, for putting up with my arrogance, for loving me unconditionally. You are my role model and I look up to you more than you'll ever know. Not to mention, in the wise words of Kevin Durant, "You sacrificed for us. You the real MVP."
Love always,
Your little girl
