Dear Mother,

I’ve never told you a lot of things. I didn’t tell you how I really felt the day I broke up with my first boyfriend. I didn’t tell you that I sat in my bed the rest of that afternoon crying, and then washed my face and wiped my eyes before I went downstairs for dinner, just so that you wouldn’t know anything happened.

I didn’t tell you how stupid I felt when you told me over and over again that I shouldn’t be investing so much time in to something that wasn’t going to turn out for the better, because I didn’t want to tell you that you were right… that you’re always right.

I’m proud, just like you. I’ve never taken criticism well, I don’t like being told what to do, and I don’t like being wrong. This is largely because I don’t like sharing my feelings because they make me look weak and stupid, everything that you’re not.

But here’s my chance to confess that if anyone’s going to tell me what to do, it’s going to be you.

I’m telling you right now that you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Your love and your nurturing have shaped me in to the woman that I am today. Your nagging and scolding has reminded me that I am loved and I am important. And true, your words of wisdom have made me feel like a total idiot at times, ashamed and left wishing I had listened to what you said. But they’ve also made me a stronger and smarter woman, with the experience to know what’s wrong, and the wisdom to do what’s right.

In retrospect, I think these were your intentions. You’re smart enough to know that I wasn’t going to listen the first time, maybe not even the second time. But you put enough trust in your daughter that you knew eventually she was going to get it, that I was going to get it. I’m happy for that.

Remember when you and I used to joke around all the time after Will.I.Am’s song “I Got It From My Mama” came out? You’d tell me I looked beautiful or I did something well, then you’d ask me where I got it from (the answer: my mama). Well joke or not, it’s true.

Everything I consider myself to be, whether it be a flaw or strength, I’ve gotten from you; and I’m glad because I can honestly say that if I grow up to be exactly like you in ten years, then I did everything right.

So right now I’m telling you that you’re beautiful and wonderful, and strong and you’re always right. And if I’m ever acting rebellious or snobby or stuck up, it’s only because I’m too much like you to admit that I should probably listen. So thank you for loving me and continuing to tell me what to do anyways, I got it from my Mama, and my Mama got it good.