For my mother

I wouldn’t be a mother without my mother.

Obviously.

I wouldn’t know what it means to BE a mother without MY mother.

Without her example, I wouldn’t know that sometimes we have to do whatever job we can to feed our children. I’m thankful to have a job I love (most of the time) when I know that she’s worked jobs she maybe didn’t love because it meant our needs were met.

Without her unending support of every decision I’ve ever made, even if she didn’t agree with it, I wouldn’t have taken chances. And those chances led me to this moment.

Without her prayers, I wouldn’t know that a little bit of faith goes a long way. Faith has kept my soul full even in my darkest moments.

Without her sacrifice, I wouldn’t know how to give freely of myself for the good of others, namely my son and husband. They deserve the very best parts of me.

Without her strength, I wouldn’t be strong. And people, I am strong.

Without her unconditional love, I wouldn’t know how to love at all. And there is so much love in my heart and my life.

Thank you, Mama. For everything.