How do you thank someone who’s given you everything?
Personally, I’m not sure I know where I’m supposed to start. Continuing to learn from someone who’s been the biggest inspiration, supporter, passion and, most of all, the absolute best mother I could ever ask for.
Since I was little, I can remember being a self-appointed momma’s boy.
I’m the youngest of three children and I’ve been spoiled by the woman who I call my mother since day one. I’ve asked for everything there is to ask for: a dog, clothes, electronics, toys, etc. – you know, the general little kid “needs”.
Until recently, I don’t think I realized how much she has done for me over the years outside of those wants. As sons or daughters, we forget how much our parents do for us every day. Whether we’re born into a well-off life, or one of hardships and struggle – everyone has their own story.
My story starts and ends with her.
She’s never known much about sports, but I can’t remember a game that she didn’t make it to. Whether it was her showing up at halftime, or being one of the first in the stands. She’d cheer and clap when everyone else did. I knew she was there to just enjoy watching her son play and honestly, who knows if she ever knew what was happening – but she should know I was playing for her.
Sporting events weren’t her forte, but what she’s done for me as a young man is incomparable.
Supporting me through college, financially and in so many other ways and sacrificing money and time that I know she shouldn’t.
And that’s just what she does – sacrifice.
There isn’t one person that I know who would give up all the things that she has for her kids like my mother does every day.
We’re not the most financially stable family, and I wouldn’t say we’re the most unfortunate, but the life that she continues to give me and has given my brother and sister is unmatched.
She’s the “cool” mom; Lenient, supportive, but never controlling. She’d let me learn from my own mistakes and it’s molded me into the young man I am today – hope I turned out OK. Today, I see hundreds of “helicopter parents” that smother their kids into thinking, acting and being a certain way. She’s the kind of mom you’re not afraid to tell the personal issues or ask questions to.
She’s the mom who tries to stay “hip” listening to current music even when she barely knows the words and starts loving a song months after its been all over the radio – I plug my ears every time she sings.
She cries about most things – which I know she’s going to hate that I’m bringing that up. But she does for the good, the bad and even the silly. I guess I can thank her for my emotional side.
She’s always available to talk when I need it most, which is probably more often than it should be.
I ask the ridiculous questions, the ones where I’m sure she’s on the other side of the phone just laughing to herself and wondering how I'm her son.
I’m sure I’ve left out hundreds of pieces of all the things my mother does for me and will continue to do for me.
Whether it’s where I got my blue eyes and “nice hair,” or the way I’ve grown up as a young man – I can thank her for it. Thank your parents whether it’s you mother, your dad, or whoever has been raising you since you were little. Take the time to tell them how much you love them.
Don’t wait until a national holiday to recognize the person you love, and I know we're all guilty of doing that.
Every day your parents are giving you the stability and path to the life we all want to live one day. The only thing I can hope is that when I get older, I can give everything back to my mother that she’s given me.
I’m sure I won’t be able to – but until I do, I just hope I make you proud.
I'm proud to say that I’m your son.
