My mom and I have always been close. Ever since I can remember, I'd go to her for advice, loved spending time with her and told her (almost) everything. I know that not everyone has this kind of a relationship with their parents, and it is something that I feel extremely fortunate to have.
As I said goodbye to mom after spending the weekend with her in Texas, I realized just how much better our relationship has become since I've gone to college. We never had a bad relationship, but our interactions and how we perceive one another have become infinitely better. Since moving away from home, my relationship with my mother has undoubtedly grown stronger.
Throughout middle school and high school, despite being close to my mom, we often got into little arguments. She would get mad at me for being an irresponsible teenager and I would get annoyed and tell her she was being too controlling. I constantly felt as if I was trying to meet her high expectations and she constantly felt as if I didn't appreciate all that she did for me. Combine all of this with a heavy dose of pubescent hormones and any relationship would be put to the test.
When I went away to college, I was excited to embrace my new independence. I was secretly delighted that I wouldn't have my mother always looking over my shoulder or reminding me of the things I still had to do. I was sure that I was ready for adulthood, without the watchful eyes of my mom to keep me in line.
Fast forward two years later, and I have found out (for the most part) how to balance my school life. However, being on my own has shown me just how much my mom did for me when I was living at home. From reminding me to turn in paperwork to folding my laundry, there were so many little things that she did for me that I took for granted. Now that I am responsible for doing all of those things on my own, I realize how much time my mom devoted to helping me. Now I can finally appreciate all the work she did to make my life as perfect as possible.
What's even better is the realization that my mom is more than just a great mom; she is an amazing person. She is no longer just the person who just drove me to dance classes or proofread my essays; now, I realize what a beautiful, strong and vivacious person she is. I love to see her tackle new challenges and reach her goals. I love seeing her articulately interact with other people and flourish in social settings. I love getting to see her thrive in a life outside of my own. Besides being my amazing mom, she is her own beautiful person.
We have developed a beautiful mutual respect for one another. She sees how hard I work at school and I see all the amazing things she does at home. Our conversations are deeper and more intellectual and she has revealed the fears and regrets that she used to keep hidden from me. She is brutally honest, but in the best way possible and she continues to encourage me in everything I do.
Because we don't see one another every single day, we are able to truly appreciate the time that we do get to spend together. Every moment spent with my mom is a gift that I truly treasure. We laugh, we cry and we grow. I have obviously always loved my mother, but it was not until now that I truly appreciated what a spectacular woman she is. She is and will always continue to be my role model and I am forever grateful for the incredible relationship we get to share. I can't wait to see how our relationship will continue to evolve as we get older.
My relationship with my mom is like a fine wine; it only gets better with age!
