This morning, while paying for my coffee at the gas station between my shack and church, a teenage girl (maybe around 16) was arguing with her mother behind me. I didn’t really catch what they were fighting about. I’m sure it really didn’t matter. What mattered was the dramatic tone the teen girl spoke in and the exasperated answers she received from her mother. I smiled at them as I walked out, remembering when I 16 and knew that I was much smarter than my mother (I so wasn’t).
So here I am: 21, on my own (until I move back into my parents house to save for this adventure), and saying thank you to my amazing mom.
Mamma, thank you.
Thank you for always validating my feelings, even when they are misplaced.
Thank you for always affirming me, even when you don’t understand my actions.
Thank you for supporting me, even when you don’t want to.
Thank you for teaching me how to deal with sensitive/fragile people, even when it cost you some hurt feelings.
Thank you for not killing me when I stole your car that one summer, even though I’m sure you thought about it.
Thank you for showing me what real love is, even though you weren’t adequately loved as a child.
Thank you for making me always feel wanted, even when your biological mother decided she couldn’t handle you.
Thank you for putting up with our (dad, Jake, and I) shenanigans, even when we drive you absolutely insane. *cue Bohemian Rhapsody*
My mother is one of the strongest people I know. She has overcome feelings of inadequacy, depression, and so much more. She has taught me so much without even realizing it. Without even myself realizing it. And though as a child and teenager I sometimes resented her, now she has become one of my best friends. I come to her with anything and everything. And she is always there. She never belittles me, my feelings, or my actions. She cries when I cry because when I hurt, she hurts for me. She even cries when I don’t cry, because I hardly ever cry. Then she calls me heartless (but it’s all in love).
So thank you, ma. I’m proud to be your daughter and friend.
And thanks for letting me have her, God. Thanks for using her to love on me and teach me more about your love for me.
