Mother’s Day has passed and another important day for me is right around the corner: my mom’s birthday. While she’s an amazing mother, she does so much more than just be my mom, and I’d like to thank her for it. So without further ado, mom — since I know you’re reading this — this one’s for you.
I always knew that I would write a piece thanking my mom for everything she does for me. Who knows, I’ve got some more years left, and I might end up writing one from a different angle. Regardless, my mom has been there for me in so many ways throughout my life. One of my earliest memories of my mom is me scraping my knee and her telling me to put a bandage on it and take a Tylenol. At the time I was upset that she wasn’t cleaning it for me and babying me, but now I know that a little tough love is what I need sometimes. She’s taught me to take care of my own problems when I can, and she’s there to help me out when I can’t .
As I got older, I began to get interested and involved in things that weren’t my mom’s cup of tea. I went through volleyball, band, musicals, plays, golf, and at almost every event she was there. One of the biggest things I appreciate about my mom is how she’s ALWAYS there. She may have brought a book to all of my golf matches, but the effort she put in to follow me around to every hole showed me how much she cared. She’s taught me that just showing up can tell how much you care.
Now that I’m in college my mom’s presence has been more important than ever. Maybe I don’t physically need her as much, but her emotional support is invaluable. I used to take many of the things my mom did for granted, but now that I have to do some of those same things for myself, I see how much she work she regularly puts in. Multiply that times three and you get what she does for all three of her kids. There’s nothing like a phone call to my mom to clear my head and feel immensely better about whatever it is that I’m stressed over. She continues to support me in every way that she can, and I can’t show her my appreciation enough.
My mom has taught me many lessons, and I don’t know how I would’ve made it this far without her. Right now my mom is being a mother not only to her children, but to her own mother as well. She shoulders the responsibility of taking care of her kids and making sure her mom is taken care of too. Mom, I see all that you do for everyone around you. No matter what nosy neighbors might think, you’re doing an amazing job of taking care of the people around you.
Being a mom is more than just having kids and making sure they’re fed. It’s being a support system and shouldering whatever responsibility comes along with it. You show up to things and teach your kids to be strong with or without you. I’m so thankful for you, Mom. As your birthday approaches (or passes depending on when this gets published), know that you’re appreciated. I see the things you do, and the work that you put in. Happy Birthday, Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you.
