Dear Mom,
I want to take this time to give you praise, because you deserve it - for being an amazing mother and making the best out of being a single parent over the years.
I know growing up, I probably didn't say it often enough and as I get older I try to say it whenever I can... so, thank you.
Thank you
... for playing both the roles of mother and father most days.
... for always making me feel loved and cared for through the divorce and over the years.
Thank you
... for not complaining when you would ask what I wanted for dinner and my answer was always, "Chicken croquettes and hats (perogies)." Because let's be honest, you definitely got sick of that meal.
Thank you
... for making sure I got everything on my Christmas lists each year.
... for spending outrageous money on clothes that had stupid birds and moose on them, just so I could feel "accepted" in school.
Thank you
... for giving me a good life and always providing for me, even if it meant living paycheck to paycheck.
Thank you
... for being my cheerleader, no matter what sport or extracurricular I decided to take on.
... for pushing me to experience the world and travel, no matter the expense.
Thank you
... for supporting my dreams, no matter how ridiculous, and helping me achieve them.
... for constantly pushing me to better myself and never settle for less than I deserve.
Thank you
... for supporting my goal of going to college and taking on loans so that I could experience it to the fullest.
Thank you
... for showing me the importance of family.
... for showing me a love so unconditional.
Thank you
... for always assuring me that things will be okay.
... for taking any situation and making the best out of it.
... for instilling in me an appreciation for all of life's moments, good and bad ... because each has a lesson attached to it.
Thank you
... for being my sunshine when skies are grey.
... for being my anchor when the seas are rough.
... for being my safe place when life throws its daggers.
But most of all, thank you for not only being my Mom - but for being my best friend.
The older I get, the more I understand and appreciate the sacrifices you have made for me throughout the years. You didn't have an instruction manual but you always did the best you could... and even though there were probably numerous times that you questioned your capabilities, I'm telling you now that you did great.
Just like you have been able to watch me grow, I also have had the privilege of watching you grow. You have always been strong, but I have watched you become stronger each year. I have watched you become a successful business woman, who has worked her way up despite not having a college degree. I have watched you overcome many obstacles, big and small, and always come out on the other side with your head held high. I have watched you make the most of life all while being a single mother. So I just want to say that I am so proud of you - something you tell me often, and something I haven't told you enough.
You amaze me everyday, Mom. And you continue to make me proud - proud to be your daughter; proud to have a role model like you. I can only hope to become half the woman and mother that you are.
I love you - it's you and me forever.
Sincerely,
Your proud daughter
