Thank you, Mom, for being there for me even when I didn’t deserve it. Now that I am older I appreciate the depths of your efforts and your tireless drive to make sure I never lost my way. I didn’t know it when I was younger, but I had my very own best friend living under the same roof.
One of my earliest memories is finding out I had a problem with my heart. At first the doctors weren’t sure if the abnormality was something major or just a skewed reading on a monitor. Even though I was only six, I was worried my heart was going to stop working, but you were there to tell me everything was going to be ok. I remember going into the specialist’s office and lying on the uncomfortable table while the sonographer placed a cold gel on my bare chest. You were there with a never-faltering brave face and comforting arms. I also remember the day we received the results which told us I had a slight heart murmur that I would eventually outgrow. I went to bed but not immediately to sleep, and from my bedroom I could hear you talking to Dad while crying tears of joy. Thank you.
My teenage years were similar to most. I liked a boy who you knew was bad news and although you tried to offer advice and your honest opinion, I bucked on it all. Instead, I took his side, convinced you were wrong and didn’t want me to be happy. While I know it was killing you inside, you let me be. Once he proved to be exactly what you said, you could have told me “I told you so” but instead I once again found security in your loving arms. Thank you.
The following years consisted of highs and lows - graduations, new relationships, break ups, deaths (including friends my age as well as my own father) and you were there through it all. And although I am ashamed to admit it, I didn’t realize the love, friendship, and wealth of knowledge you were offering until I was out on my own. Through every accomplishment, you were there cheering me on with as much encouragement and excitement as if the events were happening to you. You never once failed to celebrate my achievements or tell me how proud you were. Thank you.
Now that I’m older, I am truly able to appreciate your care, concern, and advice instead of passing it off as a burden. I sincerely apologize for each time I did the opposite; however, I hope in the future the tools and help with which you have given me will ensure I am able to provide my own children with the very things you offered me – undying friendship, unconditional love, patience, and understanding.
