To The Single Mother That Raised Me On Her Own
Start writing a post
Relationships

To The Single Mother That Raised Me On Her Own

You gave me so much more than money could ever buy.

2778
To The Single Mother That Raised Me On Her Own
Melissa Hassey

Mom,

I have no words to describe how much I appreciate all of the suffering you have gone through raising me.

I know my father was not really there and that left you with all of the bills and expenses that come with having children.

When I was growing up, I resented you a lot because my friends were taking piano lessons, doing soccer, or going to summer camp and I never had those experiences, even if I wanted to. I also think a part of me blamed you for not allowing me to do those things, but now that I am older and I look back on it, I realize that it was not your fault.

I will never be able to go to summer camp now and I think it is a little late for soccer or piano lessons, but I learned so many more valuable lessons growing up.

I watched you work multiple jobs, try to go back to school at the same time, and come home to take care of us. Most of the time, we only had one car and the name brand clothes we got were from the Thrifty Store. I was embarrassed about things like that when I was younger, but now that I'm older, I am not embarrassed about where I came from (and I learned how to tell if clothes are overpriced).

I look back and I feel so guilty for the way I treated you, especially as I became a teenager. We argued all the time, I gave you attitude, I wanted to be like the other kids at school with their fancy shoes and their name brand clothes. But, I realize now that I should not have been that way towards you. We were not like other kids and we did not grow up like other kids, but we learned what hard work was and we understood that life does not always hand you things.

You played the role of both of my parents. You gave me relationship advice, listened to my friend drama, you were there for all of my school dances, and you did almost all of it on your own. You accepted me for who I was and told me I was beautiful everyday. You still do that.

You told me not to care about superficial things like fancy makeup or expensive shoes. You never judged me or criticized me for wanting to wear Converse or drugstore makeup and you taught me to love who I am and where I came from.

I know we did not have it as bad as other kids. Some of my peers grew up in poverty with close to nothing to their name, and we did not have to worry about that, but we had all of the things we did because of you.

I learned long ago to forgive you for some of the unbroken promises and the "once I get my tax money, we'll buy that," because you tried the best you could and you worked hard to support us. Life was not perfect with materialistic things but I never questioned whether you loved me or cared for me. I always knew how much you loved me and I still do.

I'm so sorry for the shit I put you through when I was a snotty teenager, but I'm older now and I cannot tell you enough how proud I am of you. I am proud of everything you did for us and everything you went through to give us the best. You always gave us love and reassurance and I can't wait to graduate college and finally take care of you.

I love you and I do not think there are enough words in the English language to thank you for being my mom and my dad, and for giving me more love than I thought possible.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58320
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37572
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959194
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193326
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments