Mother’s Day
MAY 10
My mom taught me everything I needed to get to where I am today. More than half of my life, I followed in her footsteps until I could make my own. I owe it all to her — my love for writing, to my college experience, even the In-N-Out I had last night.
I’ve probably had more arguments with her than with any friend I’ve ever had, and yet she is still here — stronger, somehow, every single day. She has seen me through my absolute worst moments, when I was an absolute nightmare to be around, and still she shows up with kind words and genuine compliments, every time.
She forced me to love myself when that felt impossible. I cannot emphasize enough, even setting aside the fact that she brought me into this world, I wouldn’t be here without her. She has been my truest friend through hell and back, and through all of it, she has only ever shown me unconditional love.
She never sat me down and explained how to love someone. She just did it, every day, in front of me, directed at me. I watched her love people without keeping score. And slowly, without realizing it, I started doing the same. Not because she told me to. Because she showed me first, especially when I made it really hard.
More than just today, everything is owed to her.
I love you, Mom.