When I told my mom that I was going to start writing for The Odyssey, she was so excited. I was so happy, and I wrote something right away. When I read it to her, she loved it. However, I felt like something was missing. After doing some thinking, I realized that I wanted the first thing I posted to be about my favorite person. What better way to start something new, than to give credit to the person who has helped me get this far? So mama, this one is for you.
Dear Mama,
I couldn’t imagine how you felt when you found out you were pregnant with me. I was your third, and last one. I know times were pretty tough back then, and you had a six-year-old and a four-year-old. You had a lot of complications with me, and I tried coming out when you were 20 weeks along. You had to get a steroid shot once a week for me, just so I could develop faster. After you gave birth to me, life was definitely not easy. You became a single mother with three kids, and I could not imagine ever doing anything like that.
You are the strongest woman I know, and I am not just saying that because you are my mom. Our family has been through a lot, but you never fail to amaze me. You have gone all out to provide for us, and while we may not have had everything we wanted, we had what we needed. You worked more than one job, and you had no problem doing it for us. Most parents show up to occasional things for their kid, but I could always count on you to be front row to everything I did. Whether it was my failed attempt at playing soccer, playing tuba in band, being in the color guard, or even when I acted in theatre. I also remember you showed up to my school’s “Dad’s for donuts”, and you were the only mom there. I think that alone shows what kind of mom you are.
Even though I lived with my nanny for my first ten years, you let me in with open arms. The day I told you I wanted to live with you and Pat, I know you were happy. It was rough at first, because we were getting to know each other. I know we were frustrated a lot, but we didn’t give up.
I’ll never forget the day that you introduced Pat into our lives, and although I was a bit skeptical at first, I couldn’t imagine it any different. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that he has stuck with us through thick and thin, but I think it just shows how amazing he really is. I can’t imagine a better couple than my mom and Pat, they definitely belong together. When our dad passed away, you and Pat were there for us. Pat didn’t have to be, but he was. You always made sure we had someone to talk to, and made us eat even when we didn’t want to. It was rough, but we all got through it together.
I feel as if we have grown close over the years, and nothing could replace our bond. You taught me how to drive, which was a fun adventure. When I passed my license test I was so excited, and I cried a little when I drove off by myself. Graduating high school and getting ready to go to college was scary, but you helped me. It was hard to go away, and a whole semester later, I still cry and get homesick sometimes. That just means you did such an amazing job raising me.
When I get older, I hope I can be half the mom you were, because that means I would be on the right track. You are the most selfless person I know, and I love you so much. I could write a thousand words, but it will never accurately portray just how much you do for us.
Love Always,
Your baby
