My mother has been my role model my entire life, and she was the first person I idolized. She was the person who believed in me, even before I believed in myself. She has been there for my brightest moments and my darkest moments. I was a pretty sick kid, and she was my willing nurse every day. That being said, she has always been my mom and dad. She took on the role of being a single mom when I was 6. Yet, I have never felt like I missed out on having a dad because for me she is my dad too.
I never forget that she was the one who stood by her children and that she sacrificed for my brother and I. Kids of single parents know that it is tremendously difficult for their parent, but they also feel such an excess of love. That struggle is only a reminder that their parent thinks they are worth it. The bond that a child of a single parent feels is far greater than a typical parent-child relationship. You learn to rely on each other and develop an open dialogue.
I learned how to do makeup by watching my mom as she put her makeup on. I learned how to cook by sitting in the kitchen with my mom and grandma. They patiently showed me how to properly scramble eggs and how to flip a pancake. My mom held me as I cried over my first heartbreak and told me it was going to be okay. She was the one who helped me pick out my dress for prom, even if I tried on 100. I was taught to be respectful and to put all my effort into school.
I learned how to use tools and how to change a lightbulb from my mom. She taught me how to lift weights and work out, always preaching that being strong is good. I was taught to be respectful, but never to let anyone push me around. She taught me how to paint a room and how to lay down tile. I was shown how to use public transportation and manage money. I would like to say that I also take after her work ethic. I may also have her work ethic because I wanted to strive to be like her. I was taught to speak my mind and never let anyone disregard my views.
At the end of the day, having him in my life would have made no difference. My mother is enough of a parent for both of them combined, and I can never thank her enough for that. She was the one who helped me with homework in elementary school. She was the one who cheered me on at my high school awards and graduation. She was the one who walked next to me during college tours. Her influence helped shape me into the person I am today. I learned that DNA does not mean someone is family, being family means being there for someone no matter what.
