Mom,
As of right now we are six weeks and three days away from the wedding. I have six weeks left living under your roof and I have a lot to say to you. There’s so much to say and not enough time to say it, so I’ll write it instead. We also know I’m a giant crybaby, so it’s easier for me to weep over my computer and still get the words out in a discernable manner.
First and foremost, thank you. You have been a phenomenal mother over the last 23 years of my life. You’ve poured out so much love and taught me how to express that love to others. Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made over the years and still putting up with me when I was a horrible son to you. Thank you for believing in me and listening to my asinine dreams; no matter how ridiculous my aspirations have been you always listened, thank you.
I also want to say that you are entirely too hard on yourself. You always say that you were just an OK mother, but you weren’t – you’re the best. I might not always agree with your way of doing things, but I also know you just want to make the best decision you possibly can. You always say that you failed McQuade and me, but you never did. You taught us how to love God with all that we are and then some. You taught us to put God first and to value relationships more than gold; that doesn’t sound like the work of an “OK mom,” in my not so humble opinion.
Thank you for letting me find my own way in life. It wasn’t easy, and I’m certain it wasn’t easy watching me trying to figure everything out but thank you. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you letting me discover who I am and what I am to do with this life. You’ll never know how much it means to me that some of your only advice was to seek The Lord in all that I do (with the exception of my really bad ideas, of course).
You never let me back down from something that was a challenge, and for that, I will always be grateful to you and dad. The both of you know that life scares the life out of me, but you never let me back down from facing those fears. I would have never made it to today had you never told me that everything was fine and there are parts of adulthood I just have to walk through.
And one last thing, mother, I will always be you son. I might be leaving you and dad in six (very) short weeks, but I will never stop being you child. I will always value the time I’ve had to spend with you. I love you, mom, and I am so thankful that you are the person whom God chose to be my mother. I will always be your child and I will always value what you have to say to me. As you've recently told me, I’m entering a new stage of life, the torch is mine and it’s my turn to run the race. Thank you for preparing me.
Love always,
jColt5.
