When I was growing up, you were my idol. I wanted hair like mommy’s, I wanted outfits like mommy’s, and I wanted to walk the way my mom walked. As I grew up, I still wanted to be like my mom, but the way that I expressed it changed.
Somewhere along the way, I forgot to tell you how much you meant to me.
Somewhere along the way, I felt I could take advantage of all that you offered me.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped showing you how much I loved you.
I might have waited too long to tell you all of this, but just know that you are absolutely incredible. You are a woman of strength, integrity, and resiliency through my eyes, and I want you to know that from when I was younger until now, I saw/see you, I hear you, and I am continuing to learn from you.
I saw you when you worked multiple jobs while keeping a roof over our heads. I saw you when you showed up to our school events with a camera recording our every movement. I saw you make arrangements to make sure we were safe every moment of every day. I saw you, and I love you.
I continue to see you as you organize holidays with three adult children. I see you balancing your job, your three children, your husband, and your house. I see you now like I saw you then, but it looks a little different now.
I appreciate all that I see in you.
I hear you when you tell me you will love me forever and always. I hear you when you tell me that I can be anything I set my mind to. I heard you when you told me that no amount of “A’s” or any award could make you love me any more or any less. I also heard you when you told me you would never give up on me.
I heard you, and I love you.
Mom, better than seeing you or hearing you, I am learning from you. You taught me lessons that are tough but well-learned.
Throughout the years of my life, you have taught me
- Love transcends all hurts.
- Forgiveness is the key to surpassing a heart full of bitterness.
- Taking responsibility for your mistakes is one of the most courageous things you can do.
- Apologize.
- And, always have a giving heart.
You have taught me more lessons than words could capture, but these lessons are the foundation of all things good—and I learned them from you.
Mom, in those moments that you wonder how you did as a mother, just know that you did a great job. I am proud to be your daughter.
I am proud to be a daughter to a mother who is willing to sacrifice her own world so her children can flourish. A mom who is willing to take responsibility and apologize for her errors, but also takes the steps to be better.
I am proud to be a daughter of a mom who has a forgiving heart.
I am proud to be a daughter of a mother who taught me what it feels like to be loved unconditionally.
