Mother /ˈməT͟Hər/ noun the female parent who gives birth to the child
This may be the official definition in Merriam-Webster Dictionary, but what is your definition of a mother?
Personally, I cannot define my mother in a short phrase or sentence. My mother’s love through her words, care, affection and actions defines what a mother is for me. My mother makes the best pancakes and hash browns, reminds me where I misplaced my shoes, takes me shopping even though she hates it, makes me laugh, always knows what I’m thinking because she’s most likely thinking the same thing, gives me the best advice, hugs me when I am sad, hugs me when I am happy, tells me when I am wrong, congratulates me when I succeed and always shows up when I need her most.
I could never say thank you enough to my mother. Since day one of my life, my mother has been the one to care for me and to love me. I always dreamed big and told my mom all my aspirations. She always reminded me that if I remained determined, I could achieve anything. Although this may seem a cliché answer, my mother didn’t just say these words… she meant them. She continuously supported me at every soccer game, speech or decision. With my ambitious, strong-minded spirit, I told my mother I wanted to move to Los Angeles for college to study Communications and eventually work in the television and entertainment industry. I repeatedly told her there is nowhere else I want to be. Although I know she would’ve loved to have me close to home, she embraced my decision. She didn’t worry about the distance of 1,850 miles between my hometown of St. Louis, MO to Los Angeles, CA. My mother feels I would be become even stronger and more independent away from home. She wanted me to experience my own challenges in order to learn and develop into my own person.
After my first semester in college, I have begun to live more independently. I have had to learn how to balance time for homework, new friends, friends from home, calling family and other adventures living in a different city. I figured out how to do my own laundry every week. I had to find the nearest doctor when an emergency occurred. I make sure I complete my paper before I go out to a party. I didn’t have my mom to remind me which was more important. All these “simple” things that our mothers do for us are suddenly much larger when we must fend for ourselves. With all these new responsibilities, I still enjoyed the freedom. To be honest, the last thing I thought I’d be was homesick.
Even though I know I made the right choice coming to California, I still miss my mom. Just the other day, I called my mom to check in, say hello, and catch up. She asked me again if I wanted her to come into town for parent’s weekend. I told her not to come. I didn’t want her to pay for a last minute trip and such a short weekend. As I walked into my next class, I quickly reminded her she didn’t need to come and I would talk to her later. She could hear in my voice that I missed her. I needed my mom. The next morning she was knocking on my door.
I have now realized moms only want their child or children to be happy. Despite distance or disagreements, your mom will be happy if you are. Moms make sacrifices for us that we don’t even realize. It’s important to take a step back and realize how much your mom does for you. A mother will always know when you need her and be there for you in an instant.
So mom, thank you for being the best mom anyone could ask for. Thank you for loving me, encouraging me to be my best, believing in me when I was at my worst, trusting in my decisions and caring for me with no limits.
