Dear Mama,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BESTEST MOST BEAUTIFUL, LOVING CARING, COMPASSIONATE MOM/FRIEND EVER!!! Thank you for all that you do for me. You inspire me every single day to be a better version of myself in all that I do. In the past five years you have modeled to me what it looks like to walk by faith and to truly depend on the Lord. That is a lesson that is so incredibly important and timeless. It’s because of you that I have been able to venture out in public speaking about my story and who I am. You push me every day to not be ashamed of me, but to embrace the story the Lord has gifted me with, and because of that I have been able to connect and touch the lives of so many people. Also lets not forget that you’re the reason I even decided to do the Race and it was the best decision of my life. Ya you’ve always been good at that. You know, the being right about everything because Mothers intuition and what not. (;
Not to mention you are an incredibly hard worker. You cook, clean, and raise 10 kids. I’m not sure how you do it, but it inspires me to work hard in all that I do.
Mom, I guess I didn’t realize just how much I needed you till this year. I thought 9 months for me to evangelize, explore the world, and meet new people was exactly what I needed, but I never truly thought of the fact that I wouldn’t see and talk to you everyday. I think that’s been the toughest part so far. You’re my best friend and without you here it’s been hard to adjust, but I know and have full faith that the Lord put us where we are on this day for a specific reason.
You mean the world to me. I hope on this day you feel so special because you are to me. Words can’t describe the love I have for you Mama. The Lord knew what He was doing when He put us together.
I love you so much and wish I could give you the biggest hug right now! Keep being you and know that you are so loved!
Below is a list of memories/things you taught me:
1. Whip Cream Fight- You definitely instigated that one!!
2. Makeup- Thank the Lord because we both know I was looking pretty rough when I first started. HAHA
3. When I kicked a hole in the wall- ya don’t know what to say about that one except I’m sorry
4. Chick fil a Ice Cream- I wanted a large cone so bad and as soon as we drove off it landed right in my lap. I remember laughing the whole way home.
5. Not really my memory but this one is funny- you almost slept in a trash bag for the night… thats all I’ll say. HAHA
6. How to die to myself- this is a daily thing and another timeless lesson I will forever cherish
7. “Pain means change!”- thanks for that. It made me feel better about having braces my senior year.
8. LISTEN TO THE ADVICE YOU GIVE ME- I’m still learning this one. LOL!
9. The Rice- You told me how to make it and I butchered the whole pot, ya you’re gonna need to keep teaching me how to cook. I’m gonna need those tips in college.
10. Tattoo- When we went to get tattoos a fe months ago and i nearly squeezed your arm off.
11. Love- the most important lesson of all that you have taught me: is to love everyone for who they are.
No teenagers cried in the making of this letter
Once again, I love you so so much!! happy birthday!!
Love,
Ariel (:
