Like it or not, all of our lives are dramatically influenced by our mothers. There’s no denying it. It’s where we came from. Who raised us. Our mothers, whether biological, adoptive, self-appointed or appointed by us all reach into our lives in incredibly intimate and personal ways. Even our heroes had mothers!

Abraham Lincoln said: “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” Also, George Washington said: “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” Here’s what I’d like to say:

Thank you, Mom. You’ve always been there for me, and always seem to know the right thing to do. You’ve been there for me in every surgery, every hospital visit. You’ve been so strong through all the years of finding out I need one more surgery. You’ve held my hand in every hospital room, and told me it was all going to be okay as they roll me into the operating room.

You’ve tirelessly pushed my wheelchair up every ramp, and smiled as I pushed myself, confident in my own strength. You’ve never given up in me on physical therapy, or in anything. You’ve looked at math problems when it’s the last thing you want to do, and encouraged me in every step of my school life. You’ve supported my every dream, and been my number one supporter of all my art, posts, and projects. Nobody’s liked as many of my Facebook posts as you have! Your patience always seems to renew itself despite my siblings' and my many shortcomings. You never cease to love me or them, and strive for peace between us even when has seemed lost. Your Super-Mom-Finding-Skills are also extraordinary. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

You’re an amazing friend. Cheerfully competitive and delightfully aggressive, you don’t hesitate to do everything in your power to win and to beat me or any of my friends. I can’t tell you how many times I hear “I love your mom,” from my friends. Your care and love for my friends is clear and evident, as is the time and energy you invest into each one. You always ask me how I’m doing and value my opinion, despite being so much wiser than I am. Your familiar and frequent laugh never fails to set me at ease and relax, even when I’m at my most stressful moment. I’m able to confide in you and trust you, and I’m so blessed to have that kind of relationship with you.

Your love for

God comes first in our relationship. Your desire for me to be transformed more and more into the image of Christ each week is evident. It’s obvious you keep me in your prayers, and I’m extremely grateful. You’re the best mom I could ever ask for, and it’s an honor to have you as a sister in Christ. I love you, Mom!