To My Beautiful Mom: Thank You For Teaching Me What It Means To Be Strong

Every time I sit down and try to write this letter, words fail me. Not a single combination of sentences would do you justice; that’s just how incredible you are. But that won’t stop me from saying:

Thank you, mom.

Thank you for showing me what it means to love unconditionally. Especially on days when I’m not worthy of this love. I know I can be a real thorn in your side, sometimes. Okay, a lot of times. But you never forget to tell me how proud you are of me, and how happy you are to see how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come.

Thank you for guiding me through every fork in the road. Even when you watch me take the wrong turn, you always help bring me back. I know it isn’t easy for you to watch me fall in hole after hole, and I know that sometimes you don’t have enough rope to pull me out, but you always find a way.

Thank you for being tough on me when I need it most. Like when I’m being cruel, unkind or unreasonable. You’re always there to straighten me out reminding me to be patient with people and with myself.

Thank you for teaching me what it means to be strong. Because every time my world comes tumbling down, I always have enough strength to build it back up.

Thank you for protecting me from life’s greatest storms. Know that you have always been the anchor that keeps me steady, the sails that help me catch the wind, and the ship that I know will never sink.

Finally, thank you for teaching me about faith. Because on days when I can’t run into your arms, I run into His. And on nights when my demons come alive, and you’re not here to comfort me, He does. And every minute in between, He is there. Always. Just like I know you are. Always.