Because Mother’s Day was this past weekend, I have felt the need to write a special blog for my mom. So mom if your out there, this is for you!
Dear Mom,
First of all, I just want to say that I love you way more than words can express! It has taken 23 years for me to fully appreciate the blessing of having you as my mother . We haven’t always been close. Back in high school and the beginning of college I thought I knew it all. I thought I deserved to have full freedom. I thought that I didn’t need you…. but all that was so so wrong. I have been hateful, unappreciative, rebellious, impatient, judgmental, disrespectful, and down right mean, but through all of that and all the mistakes I made you chose to love me still! I will never be able to thank you enough for not giving up on me because I sure would have. I was in a place not right with the Lord and I didn’t know who I was or what I was called to be. It has been my growing relationship with Jesus that has led me to this deep love I have for you. I have always loved you, even if I was mad at you but this love is something different.
Growing up has taught me many things. Sometimes I wish I could take this knowledge and go back in time and apply it to my life. I have learned that I need discipline, guidance, and your love always. I can’t do this all myself and for a specific purpose God chose for you and dad to raise me up the way I should go. I use to think your punishments were cruel and unfair, but looking back I am so so thankful for it. Without your love for me who knows where I would be right now because I sure wouldn’t be writing a blog just for you.
You and I are very different but also so similar. You are very outgoing, funny, full of laughter,strong, independent, sarcastic, hard working, you speak your mind, and you are so beautiful ( I know I got the beautifulness from you 
). All of these things make you the wonderful, amazing mom that you are. I wouldn’t change anything about you (except maybe your strength, your are scary to play fight with). God made you just the way you are and smiled. He thinks that you are exceptional and He still has a plan for you.
I never would have thought that I would be getting ready to leave you for a year. It’s hard enough to be away for more than a week. It is going to be so hard to not have someone to talk to, watch The Middle with, laugh with, and hug the way we do. I get choked up even thinking about the moment in the next month when I will board the plane and say good-bye. I could never have done this without you. I asked God to change your heart about this race and He did, and even it’s even crazier that you said yes. I am scared and nervous about this upcoming year but you have encouraged me and shown me how much you support me in this. You letting me go means more to me than you will ever know. I know that you use to think that because I wanted to do missions over seas so bad was because I didn’t care about you all or love you enough to stay, but it’s the opposite. You all have shown me love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. I want to show people all over the world what that is like and because of you I get this opportunity.
I know I don’t say thank you enough, don’t hug you enough, don’t come around enough, or say I love you enough, but just know that I love you more than you will ever know. I look up to you more than you will ever know. I appreciate all your hard work more than you know. I pray for you more than you will ever know.
I will miss you so much when I leave, but no matter what the distance is I will always be able to call you MY mom! Happy Mother’s Day Kelly Shreve. Memaw would be so proud of you!
Love,
Kelsey
