Dear Mom,
Thank you. Thank you for teaching me what it means to love your child, even when that means making the hard decisions that they may not understand. Thank you, also, for being a mother who loves beyond her biological children, to their family, friends, and acquaintances, random coworkers, or the little red-head who sits in the back of your daughters 3rd grade class. You make those who haven’t always known family feel a part of ours, and because of that, I’ve grown to love those around me. I may not always know them well, but because you’ve taught me to love in spite of all reasons not to, to close my heart to anyone feels wrong.
I stayed at a crisis center for abused children, from newborns to a 22-year-old, and from the moment I first arrived, I couldn’t help but love them, not because I knew them or what they had been through, but because they’re someone’s children, and they deserve to be loved as such. When you smile at them, they return in with a wide toothy grin and a little giggle. They run to you for hugs every morning and they want to hold your hand every hour of the day.
You were a constant in my mind this month. I thought often about the afternoons when you would pick me up from Willow Woods preschool, and we would drive the 45 minutes back eating roasted pumpkin seeds and listening to the Mamas and Papas. Or when we would go to Liberty Square together and you would take me to the bookstore. I truly believe it’s because you chose so willingly to make it known that I was loved by you in that time of my life that even after our struggles and strains in my later years, I never doubted your love for me, and therefore I chose to love others throughout my life.
And now I’m on this incredible journey, which brings me back to one more memory. I remember last November, sitting on the couch with you at 7 in the morning before anyone else was awake, and telling you I had been accepted to do World Race. I remember telling you with excitement where I was going and with tears in your eyes you told me how proud you were of me and how excited you were. That just further proves who you are as a person, and as a mother. I have you behind my back, on my side, and it makes me feel strong. Strong enough to love and fight for others, to proclaim truth and wisdom, and to lead with gentleness and kindness.
So thanks again for being a mother that I can follow, now and in the future.
Love you.
