**I am beyond excited to post this blog. Many times in life we forget to tell the people around us how much we care. The mundaneness of life sneaks in and habits form and we forget to tell the people who mean the most to us how much we actually love them. I have decided to and am delighted to use this opportunity of blogging to share with the world just how much that person means to me. My mother deserves more praise than I could possibly give, but here goes..**
Dear Mom,
Do you remember when I was little? When I looked up at you with big round eyes and mimicked every move you made? Did you know it was because all I ever wanted was to be just like you? Do you remember making me laugh until it hurt and kissing me on the owie when I got hurt? I do.
Do you remember the time you were tucking me into bed and sang me a song to help me fall asleep and being so amazing by the sound of your voice I told you that you should sing in a choir? Do you remember how hard you laughed at the notion and kissed me on the top of the head? I do.
Mom, do you remember when you were my girl scout leader? Do you remember how great that was? Do you know how proud I was to have YOU as MY mommy? Do you remember how happy you made me as a little girl? Because I do.
Mom, do you remember those tough teenage years? Do you remember how you stood by my side through all of the missteps and tough lessons? Do you remember how my personality during those years was one only a mother could love? I do.
Do you remember all of the mean things I said to you? Do you remember how I yelled at you and disrespected you during my middle years? Do you remember the fights and the tears and the hurt? Because I do.
Hey mom, do you remember when I grew older and we transitioned into friends? Do you remember when our relationship became deep and meaningful by choice, not obligation? Do you remember when we chose each other? Do you know how important that made me feel? Do you remember all of the advice you have given me over the years? I do, every word.
Do you remember when I went away for 11 months in search for God? Do you remember how our relationship was stretched in ways we never expected? Do you remember how hard that was? Do you remember how wonderful it was? Do you remember how it taught us to love each other better and communicate better? Do you remember how happy I was to see you in Swaziland? Do you remember my tears of joy, and how incredible it felt to hug you again? I do.
Do you know how loved you are? Do you know how beautiful I think you are? Do you know how special you are to me? Because I do.
You are my pillar and my friend. You are my mother and nobody will ever be able to fill your shoes. I have grown with you and I have fallen with you and your love for me has remained constant. Please don’t think this has gone unnoticed. I think maybe I don’t tell you these things because words seem so small compared to the love I have for you. Words seem to take what is so sacred to me and turn it into cliche’s.
If you don’t know how much I love and appreciate you, it’s because the English language has not yet created such meaningful words. You can have all the words in the dictionary and more mom; thats how much I love you. Thats how much you mean to me.
With all the love I have,
Hannah
