Thank you for all the lessons you have taught me through your actions. This list does no justice to how much you have prepared me for the world but it sure is a start. Thank you for this and for many other things. I love you, ama.
1. Sharing is caring.
GiphyWhenever I asked you to make lunch for me, I always knew there would be more than enough to share with my friends. I am sorry for sometimes being embarrassed by that when I was younger. I have grown a lot since then and I know how lucky I am to have someone that takes care of me so much. All of my friends have grown so fond of you and I can't help but feel privileged to call you my mom.
2. Be there for the people that need you.
GiphyNo matter what was happening with us, if someone reached out you always went above and beyond to help. No matter the circumstances, you always help whoever you can. I hope to one day grow up and have at least half of your heart.
3. Forgive people.
GiphyI never understood how you could forgive people so easily. Until one day I held a grudge and you told me, to forgive them because that grudge was only hurting me. However, you have always strongly believed in not forgetting. Because although you have forgiven that individual, they still did something to damage the relationship that you both once had. That action will help you grow and be better, don't forget what was done to you.
4. Learn something new every day, no matter how little it may seem.
GiphyI know this lesson is one of the reasons I love school so much. I remember sitting at home with you and we would go somewhere and learn something whether it be how to make a puppet or how to cook a meal or simply reading a book.
5. Thank God for your daily blessings.
GiphyI have seen you go through hard times but no matter what, you always prayed. Every morning you wake up and pray. Now I cannot help but say a little prayer here and there throughout the day.
6. Making mistakes is a part of living; learn from them.
GiphyI have always been a perfectionist especially when it came to school. I remember coming home crying because I didn't do good on a test and I didn't want to disappoint you. But you simply wiped my tears, made us some tea, and we watched our show. In the end, we went over the test and saw why I got wrong what I did. Then you told me to not worry about the past but rather learn from it and be a better person for tomorrow.
7. Enjoy every moment and the people you live it with.
GiphyMy mind was always elsewhere whether it be glued to a phone or in the clouds thinking about the past or the future. But whenever I look at you, it all fades away because I see your smile and I know that the reason it's there, is that you are living in the now.
8. Home cooked meals fill the soul.
GiphyYour cooking is hands down the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I have gone to different cities, countries even, and I have yet to find someone who cooks like you. No matter how long the day was, I knew that when I got home I would have some of your cooking and that alone could brighten my day.
9. Stay hydrated, eat at your proper times, and sleep enough.
GiphyWhenever you leave for work, you have a bottle of water and some snacks for the day. You eat in such small portions and I know we like to pick on you but I see how relaxed that makes you. Not to even mention that your sleep schedule is always the same and you always start your day with so much energy.
10. Treat others how you would like to be treated.
GiphyThis one definitely takes a lot of me. Sometimes I feel as if though people don't deserve kindness because of the bigotry they spew. But I have seen you face to face with people that don't like you or that laugh at your accent and I have yet to see you raise your voice. Every interaction has always ended with a please or a thank you. You are truly one of the kindest souls I know.
You have truly been life's biggest blessing and I am so happy to get to wake up everyday and call you my mom.