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When you’re incredibly close with your mother, it can be so hard to describe her to others. I mean, how do you even sum up a person that is so integral to your life and who you are?
When I try to put into words how much my mom means to me, I begin to ramble because there’s no concise way to frame her worth.
My mother is every good adjective. She is the strength of a storm and the radiance of sunshine. She is speak-your-mind snappy and calm-you-down comfort. She is my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my forever role model. She is everything I want to emulate in a woman.
I once told my mother that if I am even a quarter of the mother she is to me, I will have succeeded at parenting; and it’s true. As we age, we start to see our parents more as people and recognize the sacrifices they have made for us so willingly. Growing older and opening my eyes to her full story, one that expands her into many roles beyond being my mother, has made me admire her even more.
She taught me to use my voice, become a writer, chase my dreams while running beside me every step of the way to remind me that my words have meaning and I am never alone.
She taught me that in life, “You have to build your own happiness,” and then provided me with the tools to build a life I love.
She taught me to conquer discomfort and be confident in who I am by reminding me that “every tiny, shaky acorn has an oak tree inside of it ready to stand tall,” and that she will always nurture me until I sprout roots and spread my branches.
She taught me the art of family, friendship, love, and loyalty. That when you love someone, you stand by them; you protect them; you give them your all.
She taught me generosity and that you should “Never give with the intention to receive– solely give out of the kindness of your heart.”
All of this I have learned by watching her and she still sometimes doesn’t recognize the magnitude of her beauty– all-encompassing and luminous.
So when I try to put into words how much my mom means to me, my goal is to show her the mural my mind becomes when I picture her.
I see all of our memories:
Day trips to new towns for lunch and boutique shopping.
Movie nights on the couch belly laughs, stray tears, and lots of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Dancing at bars, weddings, in our kitchen, and any other place we hear a good tune.
Early morning talks with strong coffee and messy bedhead.
I see her history, how much she’s accomplished, and feel how proud I am of her:
22 years as a Navy Chief, Air Traffic Controller
Curating a life and tending to many friendships across the globe (from Bermuda to Italy to New Jersey and more)
Raising a daughter while being a great mother and friend to her
Receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics while working and raising a child
I hear all of our favorite songs:
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z
Can’t Fight the Moonlight by LeAnn Rimes
Stupid Boy by Keith Urban
My Little Town by Simon & Garfunkel
I feel her unconditional love and support.
When I try to put into words how much my mom means to me, I write this and then call her to say I love you.
