“Alright kids, now everyone draw a picture of your family!” my second grade teacher said to the class with enthusiasm. Everyone was sitting around the little circular tables scrambling for their favorite colored crayons and markers. After about fifteen minutes everyone seemed to be done and it was time to share with the class. I looked around at the other kids’ drawings and noticed that they were different. Something was missing, I had less people in my picture than they did. It took me years to realize what having only one parent meant, but with that, came some people who weren’t as accepting and understanding of my alternative family style. I went through several years of being bullied by kids who called themselves “normal.” I remember one particular time I went to my locker after class in fifth grade to find a letter addressed to me stuffed inside. The picture on the letter was a labeled stick figure with my name and another with my mom’s; in the bottom corner there was the word “Dad” crossed off in red ink. As trivial as the letter seems, there was an incredibly malicious intent behind it (even for a fifth grader). The drama didn't end for a while, but I learned to accept it and truly appreciate my family for what it is and eventually learn to tell my peers I was proud of where I come from.

It’s hard to truly wrap your head around what being a single parent means, and I’m sure I don’t really understand even half of what you do for me. Going through my teens I found it really difficult because there were times when my friends would do special things for father’s day and I wanted to be a part of it. I felt left out a lot of the time and felt that I was missing out on being “normal,” but I soon learned that there is no such thing as “normal.” It’s incredibly hard to define what having a “normal” family is in the 21st century since everyone comes from different backgrounds. People are becoming more and more accepting of everyone else, but it’s still challenging at times. I’m not going to lie, there are times when I’ve been extremely sad that I don’t have a father in my life and have experienced obstacles that go along with the absence of fatherly advice. I couldn't be happier that we have such a close extended family that is always there for me no matter what.

Mom, I’ve learned to really appreciate that you are the sole person in my life that will always be there for me, whether that means a shoulder to cry on or someone to go on wild adventures with. Raising me on your own couldn’t have been easy but I think you did an unbelievable job. You are by far the most resilient woman I have ever known and I’ve never looked up to someone more than I do to you. I’m sorry if I never fully show my appreciation for all that you do, but this is my chance to tell you how much it truly means to me.

I’ve watched you go through several relationships and you stay strong even when you’re picking up the pieces of your broken heart. You truly are my backbone and I would be lost without you. You’ve managed to give me the best life possible and my friends are always telling me how incredible you are for what you do and it’s hard sometimes for me to really grasp what they’re saying. You’ve been there for every play, dance performance, piano recital and karate tournament, never missing a thing. You take days off work to spend time with me and I know it’s been rough lately while I’m away but I still want you to know that I will love you forever.

Whoever says “a woman can’t raise a child on her own” has never met my mother. I don’t think there are enough thank-yous in the world to really say how appreciative I am for you. The late night conversations sipping on hot chocolate, the vacations that you spent months planning and everything in between, thank you. You are my hero in absolutely every way and I don’t know how you are able to remain so strong throughout raising me and putting up with me even when I’m difficult. I love you.