A Thank You to My Mother

You took on the hardest job possible. Being a mom is far from overrated. But you didn't just do it by taking the easiest route.

When you lost your husband, you did everything it took to give the very best to your two children. You had to become "mom AND dad." When times were tough, and when we were brats, you never gave up on us.

Thank you for teaching me to be independent. Teaching me the difference between right and wrong. Thank you for supporting me through 17 years of school, financially and mentally. Inspiring me to do my very best in school, to make myself, and my family proud. Giving me all the necessary resources to do well. A roof over my head, shoes on my feet, and food on the table.

Thank you for dealing with all my emotional rants, eye-rolling, and temper tantrums. I don't know how you do it.

For all those shopping trips we took together, or the ones you took just to find things to make your family happy, even if it was just for 5 minutes. Thank you for giving me a chance to find things I love to do, even when it didn't last very long (soccer, volleyball, piano, ballet, gymnastics and music).

For supporting me through my hardest times. Taking care of me when I'm sick. I know you would give the world to me.

For giving your future family a chance to live a better life in the U.S., we are truly blessed.

For giving us a chance to travel. Even though I am the worst when it comes to getting motion-sickness. You took care of me.

For teaching me to stand on my own two feet, without having to rely on anyone.

For opening my eyes to faith. And teaching me that giving back is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

To my dear mother, you are incredible. I cannot thank you enough. The list is entirely too long to write, but I just thought I should let you and the world know how much I love you.

xo,

Christine