Dear Mama,

Can you believe we got to the point where “I’m not one of your little friends” doesn’t apply to us anymore? Lol I can recall so much of my life where you gave me life lessons and advice as if you were my friend, but you quickly reminded me that you were my mother--as if I needed reminding. Having me at 14, I can only imagine how difficult it was. Figuring out your place in life, who you were and what you wanted to be, trying to be strong and “put together” for a whole other human being. But you did it with so much grace and strength and I know this because those are the only memories I have of you. I can’t recall moments of struggle or sadness; only you wiping my tears and being my foundation. 

You also didn’t let having a child stop you from growing up and experiencing life. I remember standing on the porch watching you leave for prom, I remember you hanging out with friends with me right on your hip, and now that I think about it, it’s probably why I am so quick to pack my kids up in the car and roll out lol. You showed me that the obstacles and challenges in life will always be there, but you can’t let it stop your show. You are either going to let it get the best of you or you are going to keep moving because life goes on. 

I learned so much through your experiences. I can recall some of your heartbreaks and how quickly you would bounce back and keep it pushing. You taught me early on that my happiness was within and not to rely on any other person to complete me. Those years where, even though I was an only child, you felt the need to work two jobs throwing newspapers and working overnight at target just because you wanted to save more extra money. And although I am still terrible at the way I spend money, because of you, I know work ethic and grind. I know how to make ways when there doesn’t seem like any in sight. 

Because of you, I have good taste in music 😅 I didn’t get my love for Jeezy, No Limit Soldiers or Beyonce from just anywhere. 

I couldn’t be half of the mother I am without you. I know you credit a lot to grandma, and although she was an intricate part of our life, don’t discredit yourself. YOU did that. You could’ve given up at 14, you could’ve been content with your life in Kansas City. Instead you uprooted everything familiar, moved to Texas and received your Bachelor’s. You could’ve stopped there, but nope. You decided to keep going and received TWO Master’s degrees, working in your dream career and now the owner of your first home. And although this wasn’t all accomplished in the time frame or the “order” you wanted to, you made it happen. Now your younger children and your grandchildren can reap the life of everything you sowed in yours. I am so proud of you and I know grandma and papa are too. 

Thank you for unconditional and loving support. Thank you for being my very best friend and confidant. Thank you for not giving up on me, even when you see me make the same mistakes over and over again. Thank you for still taking care of me at almost 30 years old. I love you forever! 

Happy Mother’s Day 💕