To all the women who are the strong role models and inspiration in my life, with another Mother's day having just passed I thought that it was about time I said to you all the things I have forgotten to over the years. While words will never be enough for all you have done for me, I hope they give you some insight in to just how grateful I am for you and just how much you mean to me.
1. Thank you for Inspiring me
From day one, you have inspired me to be more, to be great, and to face every obstacle with my head up. You have inspired me with your generosity, with your care and with your huge heart. You have inspired me to continue on no matter what, and to help those around me. Most importantly, you’ve inspired me to live the best life I can, because that is what you do everyday; you do your absolute best, and you always find a way to do everything.
2. Thank you for Believing in me
Every crazy dream, every insane goal, and absurd idea, you said “go for it”. You gently gave me the push and the support I needed to go after whatever I wanted. When I questioned who I was, or if I could do it, you were the first to say “you can do anything”. No matter what the obstacle, you reminded me that I am stronger than it. Your belief in me, is why I believe in myself.
3. I'm Sorry
For the times I didn’t listen, for the times I was disrespectful, for the times I talked back, and for the times I forgot to say thank you. For all the times I messed up, for all the times I lied and for every other thing that I can’t possibly list. I’m sorry for hurting you at times and pushing you so far. I’m sorry for the times I took you for granted, and failed to see how selfless you are and all the sacrifices you made for me. Im sorry I didn’t always give you all the love you deserve, but you never ceased to give to me.
4. I want to be Just Like You
When I think about who I am striving to be, you are what comes to mind. You are the perfect human in my eyes, not because you aren’t flawed, because as you’ve taught me over the years that we all are, but because you don’t hide from your flaws, rather you are proud of everything that makes you, you. You are strong, courageous, selfless, generous, and full of love. If I can even be half as amazing as you are, I will be doing really well. I hope you know I look up to you, and when I said in kindergarten I want to be just like you, I meant it.
5. I am in Awe of you
I don’t understand how you do it. You are superwoman. I stress over homework, meanwhile you have a list 30 times that size, but you calmly get everything done and more. You always find a way to please everyone, and make sure everyone is taken care of. I am in awe of your ability to multitask and to keep it together. I don’t know how you do everything you do day in and day out, but I am amazed by you everyday.
6. You are the Strongest People I Know
The amount of obstacles life has thrown at you are almost unfathomable, not to mention you are constantly dealing with so many other people’s obstacles, but you just keep going. One foot in front of the other, calmly sorting through life’s problems. No matter what crazy situation life throws at you, you keep your head high, hold it together, and usually hold me together, too. I know it can’t always be easy, especially with the drama I bring, but your strength is incredible, and if it weren’t for you and your strength, I would be nothing.
7. You are Incredible
I don’t say it enough. It’s very simple. For everything you do, for the sacrifices you make, for the strength you show, for the heart you have; you are incredible and I am blessed to have you.
8. Thank you for Putting Up With Me
I can be stubborn, and needy, slightly annoying and maybe whine a little, but you put up with it every time. Even when I can hear the sigh in your voice as I call to complain bout this or that, you sit there and calmly listen, ready to give me advice. You put up with the years of athletics, school events, money “borrowing” and all sorts of other things. You deal with my annoying habits, and my lack of motivation some days, and you always love me the same. Thank you for putting up with the annoying parts of me.
9. Thank you for being Honest with me
I don’t always need rainbows and butterfly’s and long ago you learned that. Thank you for giving me the honest truth no matter how hard it can be sometimes. I have heard your voice crack when you tell me that some things are just what they are and you wish I didn’t have to go through it, but you gave me the brutally honest truth, when it probably would have been easier to protect me. Thank you for understanding that I am growing up and I need someone to call me out sometimes, and even more important than that, I needed someone to be honest about what the big bad world was going to throw at me, You’ve always been honest with me, even when I didn’t necessarily want to hear it. Thank you for trusting me.
10. Thank you for Loving me
Most importantly, thank you for loving me. I know its not always easy, and I can push buttons with the best of them, but you never have waivered in your love for me. You have loved me through the good and the great, and the heartbreaking and traumatizing. You are always right there with a hug no matter what I have done this time. I don’t know who I’d be without your love, guidance and strength, but I am so happy I never have to find out.
Having strong female role models in my life has impacted me and changed me for the better. They are the strength I need when I don’t feel that I can keep going and they are the love I want after a great moment. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have these strong and amazing women in my life, but I feel so blessed, especially on this Mother’s Day, that I don’t have to find out. As Celine Dion said “I’m everything I am, because you loved me”. Thank you.
