In twenty two years, it is easy to say that I have spent a great deal of time with my mother. My first memories are of being in my mom's arms and many of my fondest memories are in that same place. There are so many things that I have learned from my mother over the years, things I never even knew she was teaching me. Now, in adulthood, I can look back and appreciate everything she taught me, even if she didn't mean to.
1. She taught me kindness.
One of the greatest characteristics my mother taught me was kindness. She did not tell me how to be kind, instead she showed me. Everyone who knows my mom thinks that she is amazing. I have never heard my mom say anything bad to anyone. I almost never even hear my mom complain. She always seems to respond in the kindest and most sincere ways to anyone she comes in contact to. My mother has taught me kindness through her actions everyday more than anyone in my entire life.
2. She taught me to be strong.
My mom is brave, she is probably the bravest person I know. Growing up with a dad who worked over the road left my mom alone with three children all the time, I am still amazed she managed to keep everything in tact on her own. When things got tough, my mom managed to work two jobs and still find a way to make it to every single dance recital, sports game, and school event without complaint. She is relentless and showed me that even when things don't go your way, you have to face it and brave your way through. Her strength taught me true resilience.
3. She taught me the value of honesty.
One of the best things I have learned from my mother is honesty. I do not think my mother is even capable of lying, that is how honest she is. Sometimes when we are in a jam we tell a little white lie to get ourselves out of trouble, but not my mom. My mom values honesty, so much that a wooden spoon came in contact to our behinds if we lied to her for no reason. The spoon was not what taught me honesty though, that is due to my mother's actions. My mom is honest with everyone, even if she is in a tough situation. Her honesty is one of the things I respect most about my mom because it is one of the greatest character traits a person can possess.
4. She taught me love.
Obviously parents love their children, it is a biological tendency, but it is different with my mom. My mom loves us so much that she is willing to drop everything at a moments notice to come to the rescue of one of her children. She would give up anything if it meant helping one of her kids, and that is real love. She taught me to love others, showing me everyday in her 26 years and counting being married to my dad. She showed me that real love doesn't have strings attached and it means always wanting the best for the other person. My mom always wants what is best for everyone in her life that she loves, and this is one of the greatest lessons I have learned from her.
I could go on and on about all the things my mother has taught me by the way she lives her life, but I won't. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss living with my mom. Growing up and moving out was one of the hardest things I have ever done because it meant not seeing her every day when I wake up and before I go to sleep. Even though she makes sure to talk to me every single day, even if it is just to say she loves me, I still miss our nightly cuddles on the couch and her hugs for no reason. My mom is one of the greatest people I know. I never could imagine growing up with someone different. Today, my mother really is my best friend. I am so thankful to have grown up with a mother like you, mom. I love you for everything you do and all the things you have taught me. Happy Mother's Day, Mom.
