Ouch. Yet again, I find myself on the ground, being crushed by the weight of a bike. I start to cry as I lay there, disheartened and defeated. Then an arm hovers over me, seemingly coming from heaven, lifting me from my entanglement.

This same arm, an arm of comfort, safety, and care, has been there for me for the entirety of my life.

That arm was there when I was learning to walk. That arm was there when I was bedridden and needed to be fed. It was there when I needed to be shown an example of a math problem. It was there clapping at honor roll ceremonies. It was there fist pumping at graduation. It was there to wipe my tears in times of strife. It was there just to remind me that I am not alone. It was there to drive me to my college dorm. It is there to answer my phone calls at the drop of a hat, whenever, wherever it may be.

The arm. The pillar of strength. The person I call Mom.

From crying over a hard class or dealing with my first-breakup, no matter how small or big of a problem, she always gives it importance. She listens, she absorbs, and she always has a solution. Never will there be ears more open than those of my mother's.

Because of her, I am who I am. Because of her, I know what is right and what is not. Because of her, I have a role model to look up to and attempt to emulate.

I do not know what I would do without her. How would I know how long to defrost chicken? Or that pickles were once cucumbers? Or that dishes won't wash themselves? Such valuable life lessons. Such necessities to life. How would I know my self-worth? How would I know how to treat other humans? How would I attempt to be a kind individual? How would I understand the value of love? How would I be if I didn't have her unconditional love?

I don't want to know the answer. I can't even imagine life without her. There would be no balance, no strong-hold, no safety net. And that truly is what she emanates -- the understanding and assurance that as long as she is around, I am safe and everything will be okay.

Just like she did when I was a little girl trying to learn how to ride a bike, she has consistently lifted me out of predicaments my whole life. With words and cuddles, she lifts my spirits until I'm upright and stable again. She is the voice in the back of my head, motivating and encouraging me to be the best possible version of myself. She is and always will be my rock.

I love you, mom!