Dear Mom,
As I write this I am reminded of all the fun and not so fun times we have shared. Knowing you, you will tear up while reading this, but this will never be the amount of gratitude that you deserve from me. I hope that one day I will be able to live up to you and be as great of a mom as you.
From the moment you found out you were having a baby, you loved me unconditionally, whether I were to be a girl or a boy. When I was first put on your chest, a bond was instantly created. That bond was almost cut too short though. Not only did you go through two miscarriages before me (which makes me your "Rainbow Baby"), but I had to make it a little more complicated by being a sick baby and you almost losing me too. I’m sorry I put you through that by the way. Thank you for never giving up on me and holding me then when I was sick and now when I just need a hug.
Growing up, you were always there for me and you were my best friend (but in a motherly way). From the many tantrums to those sweet moments of just lying in your bed and watching TV, you were always there to make the simplest memories with me. One of my favorite memories is our latest adventure together. Going to Savannah for the day just the two of us. It wasn’t my favorite memory just because we went to a beautiful city, but the smile you had on your face all day knowing that you and I were together having a great time. Thank you!
Even though I thought you were a little too bossy sometimes, I now know that it was for my own good and that it was just to raise me to be a good person even if it meant getting yelled at a couple of times. I used to yell nasty things to you that now I am very ashamed of and could never bring myself to saying those things. I wouldn’t say you were bossy looking back, I would say that you were a loving mom that just wanted to make sure I was well taken care of wherever I went. I appreciate you wanting me to text you when I would leave or get to my destination. Knowing that you care so much about me is one of the best feelings anyone could have. You are the most amazing mom I could ever dream of having. You are beautiful, smart, funny (sometimes), and much more.
You have always been there for me, but most times I wasn’t there when you needed me most, when you and dad got a divorce. I never realized till recently how much it killed you too. Looking back, I can see how unhappy you were and how you tried your best to keep a smile on while you were hurting on the inside. I see how much you went through but never stopped loving us and doing everything you could for us. Now, you are engaged to your best friend, and I can now see you being truly happy. You laugh and smile more than I ever remember seeing, and I can’t help but feel just as happy.
Now, I would like to thank you for just some of the things you have done for me. Thank you for the many meals you have provided for me, the many times where I yelled at you but you still loved me. Thank you for supporting me in everything I wanted to, whether it was ballet or softball, you always pushed me to be my best. Thank you for going to all my softball games even when it was out in ungodly weather conditions. Thank you for going to so many dance performances and classes. Thank you for being ready to help me with my next costume when I have only 2 dances to get ready for it. Thank you for sitting through HOURS of dances, just to see me on stage for 3 minutes each time I perform. Thank you for taking me to all my doctor visits throughout the years and being there to hold my hand while getting shots. Thank you for being there when I was so excited to be talking to a guy for the first time, and being there when I was with him with all the ups and down, but at the end, thank you for being there when I needed a shoulder to cry on when he broke my heart. Thank you for always telling me that everything will be okay and that God has a plan for me. Most of all, thank you for making me who I am today.
You are one of few people that have always believed in me. You are and always have been there when I was trying new things, especially just recently, college. Whenever I am stressed about a test or another assignment, you are there to talk to and motivate me. Not only have you been there for me emotionally, but financially. I would not be able to go to college without you. Whether its tuition or needing to go to the grocery store, you’re there when I need you. Thank you for that. Also, thank you for letting me call you on my way to class and telling you my frustrations of the day and you telling me how everything will be okay. I love coming home for the weekend and knowing that you will there waiting for a hug. I love knowing that you are as or more excited to see me as I am you! I love you.
I know that you loved me the best way that you knew to love and you led me the best way that you knew to lead and you gave me everything you had to give. I hope you know that you are very loved and appreciated. I know raising me wasn't easy. But I want you to know nothing that you did for me went unnoticed. You are one of the people I am most thankful for in my life. I know I don’t say this enough. I want to be you. I want to be the mother my daughter can look up to. The cool mom that all my daughters friends love just as much as their own moms. I have discovered long ago what I want to be. I want to be a mother a daughter can be proud of, just like you. I love you to the moon and back again.
Love,
Your daughter