Dear Mom,

Where has the time gone? It feels just like yesterday that you were here. Picking me up from school and taking me to see Dad at work or even going to the mall to window shop. I remember one day after kindergarten, I was so happy to see you and that I ran and jumped into your arms because I was so excited to tell you about my day. I loved spending time with you, you were my best friend. You are a friend that I would like to have again.

Twelve years has passed and I honestly do not know how that is even possible. Sometimes I can hear your voice and I stop to think that you are standing right beside me. I think about you daily because you are someone who is unforgettable. You had that gift that when you walked into a room everyone noticed you. I think it was because of your positive attitude and how you cared about so many people. You were the happiest person I have ever met. Even when you were battling cancer, you were always happy even on your toughest days. I know that some days you did not have the strength to get up. But, somehow you managed to find that strength to be with me and Theresa. Some days, I wish I had that strength that you had during that time. Losing you has been difficult, but I think I have managed the loss of you pretty well. There has been times where I wanted you here. Like graduating high school, there was nothing more I wanted than you being here. My wedding day will just be worse. That is supposed to be a day where a mother is there for her daughter and it kills me knowing that you will not be here. I know you are with me spiritually, there has been days where I say thank you because I know you saved my butt a few times. I take the happiness that you have and I carry it with me.

I knew when you passed away that you did not me to sad about the time I lost with you, but to be happy for the time that I got to send with you. I would not trade those eight years for anything. I am truly blessed to have you as a mom. You are the mother and person I aspire to be one day. I am happy for you and I live my life for you and I think about would my mom be proud of me? I know I should not second guess myself on this question, but sometimes a couple people fill my head with doubt. I just shake that negativity away and focus on the positivity. This Mother’s Day, I am not dwelling on the fact that you are not here but acknowledging that you are always with me. Words cannot express how much you mean to me and how much you have impacted my life. I will always love you.