Mom,
In my room I have at least thirty photo albums full of pictures from every year of my life, all made by you. The oldest is my favorite… it’s from 1999 and holds dozens of memories of you and me from when I was born. I love flipping through the pages and picking out similarities in our features even from the time I was a baby. Even now the biggest compliment I can receive is when people tell me “you two could be sisters!” or “you look just like your mom.”
My favorite question I get most often on the race is “what does your mom do?” I got to thinking about it, and realized I’m never totally sure how to answer. So I sat down and wrote a list. So far, I have
florist
wedding planner
mentor
college advisor
entrepreneur
teacher
uber driver
artist
day camp counselor
…and a lot more.
Thank you for showing me what it looks like to love. Thank you for giving me your eyes, your passion for a life above the ordinary, the courage to try new things and be fearless and free in every aspect of life. Thank you for encouraging me not to settle for what is typical and easy. I love you for inspiring me to do hard things and conquer my fears, even when I was absolutely sure I would never make it. Those times have taught me more about myself and the Lord than I ever would have learned if it wasn’t for your constant presence, encouragement and love. I truly wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for you! Even though I am thousands of miles from home, I know that wherever I go you will always be there, arms wide open and ready to welcome me back… wherever that may be. Knowing that brings me more comfort and gratitude than I know how to express.
I pray everyone in the world would have the privilege to know a woman like you. I pray that as I grow up I am just like you. I’m not sure that a lifetime will be long enough to try to tell you how much I love you or how grateful I am for everything you and dad have done for me, but I will never stop trying.
I love you. I’ll see you so soon!
Love, Lydia
