My mom is the strongest woman in the world. I’m sure everyone thinks that about their mother, but when I say it I mean it. I have never seen someone live their life the way my mom does. In honor of her birthday (which was on June 13th) I wanted to create a piece that could showcase my mom’s character. I wanted to create something that could honor her, so I have decided to create the following list to show everyone what an extraordinary woman she is.

1. Her Goofiness

In my 21 years of life, I don’t think a day has gone by where my mom hasn’t made me laugh because of her craziness. My mom is a goofball, a weirdo, even insane sometimes and I love her so much. She always knows what to say to make me laugh until I cry. She always knows when I need it too. I truly believe her goofiness has rubbed off onto each person she has met. It’s contagious. Whether we are in the car belting out the lyrics to RuPaul’s album or screaming at the TV over the judges’ decision on “Face Off” or wrestling on the ground together, there is never a dull moment.

2. Her Heart

My mom’s heart is infinite. She loves everyone and everything and she loves fiercely. After my brother died all, of his organs were donated; three of which went to one man alone. This man, Louie, needed a kidney, pancreas and liver from the same donor and my brother provided them. Most families don’t want to meet the individual(s) who received their loved one’s organs, but my mom jumped on the opportunity. My mom flew down to Tampa as fast as she could and met Louie and his partner Stan. Because of my mom, Louie and Stan are now a part of our family. There has not been one day where my mom has been resentful or angry with Louie for receiving my brother’s organs. There has not been one day where she has harbored any negative feelings towards him. Instead, she welcomed them with open arms and she loves them more than anyone could imagine. I love my mother’s heart because there is no room for darkness — she loves with all of her being and it continuously blows me away.

3. Her Strength

If you’ve read some of my previous pieces, then you’ll know that a drunk driver killed my older brother in 2009. Since that horrible night six and a half years ago, I have never seen my mom’s strength falter. Never. She picked herself up and pushed through her grief in order to create something good from this horrible situation. She picked herself up for my family. Her strength is what kept my dad and I from drowning in our pain. And, when my dad passed away two years ago, she did the same exact thing. She picked herself up and proceeded to pick me up as well. She won’t let the traumas we have experienced bring her down. She can’t let them bring her down. I have never seen an individual go through as much as she has and still be standing. Most people would expect the pain and grief to beat her down. I know it beat me down. But not my mom. She fought and still fights for both of us and everyday she amazes me.

4. Her Role As A Mother

The most amazing quality about my mom is her role as my mom. She has literally been with me every step of the way so far and I know she always will be. My mom is a fantastic mother; she made everyday of my life feel safe and she continues to do so now. She has taught me how to become an independent young woman and how to face the world (even if I’m not ready to leave the nest quite yet). She has taught me how to be strong, how to push through the pain and continue to live. She taught me how to have a backbone and to stand up for myself and what’s right. I know for a fact that she is going to be teaching me new skills and showing me new experiences for the rest of my life…and I cannot wait.

I could continue to list different qualities that make my mother amazing, but to be honest, I would be at my computer for days. There is so much I love and admire about my mom and I wish I could share her with all of you. These four qualities might seem like typical characteristics of any mother, but I promise you my mom is different from all the rest. I hope, for those of you who don’t know my mom, this piece can shed some light on who she is. And, for those who do know my mom, I hope this piece just reinforces your love for her. I’m sure you all know, but she is a superhero.

To end this, I want to address my mom directly. Mom, thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for holding my hand and guiding me through the darkness that has overcome part of my life. I struggle everyday with that darkness, but all I have to do is remind myself that you are here for me, waiting with your hand outstretched to pick me up again. You are the light of my life, Mom, and I would be so lost and misguided without you. Words can’t express my love for you. They can’t express the admiration I have for you. And they certainly cannot express how proud I am to call you my mom; you are my superhero and you always will be.

I love you to the moon and back, Mom. To the moon and back.