My Mother.

My mom is my best friend. I know a lot of people say that about their mothers, but it really holds true for my mom. For as long as I can remember, my mom has been my teacher, my advocate, always in my corner to remind me that I'm never to old to snuggle up and tell her what's wrong, but she's also never been afraid to give me a push to do what's right. My mother has always allowed me to make my own mistakes, never criticizing me for the poor choices I've made; instead, she uses them as an opportunity to help me learn, grow, and become the woman I am today. The things my mother have taught me are varied: from teaching me to ALWAYS decorate in odd numbers, teaching me that you should always use the bathroom before you put your snow pants on, how to check if spaghetti is cooked through (throw it against the wall) to things that are a bit deeper... such as always standing up for what you believe in, keeping family first, never regretting the choices you make, and learning from your mistakes. When I was trapped in an abusive relationship, my mother was there to ease my pain, get help, and remind me again and again that what happened was NOT my fault. When I was afraid to apply for an internship that would move me halfway across the country, she reminded me that no matter how far away I was, she and my dad would always be there for me, only a phone call away.

I know there is nothing I could ever do that would show my mother how much she means to me, and how thankful I am for having her in my life. There is no diamond large enough, no flower bright enough, no painting beautiful enough that could reflect the degree of gratitude I have for her. When I see my mother, I feel at home. When I see my mother, I feel safe. And when I see my mother, I know there is nothing that could replace her in my heart.

Perhaps most important of all, my mother has taught me that no matter what, I can always come home. Even though I'm an adult and living on my own, she calls me to tell me she loves me, that she's proud of who I am, and most of all I will NEVER be done learning from my mother. I know that every child on the planet thinks that their mother is God's gift to humanity, and the best mother on the planet, and I don't doubt that to them... she is. But to me, my mom is more than my mother, she's more than the person who taught me to tie my shoes and who sang me a lullaby when I was fussy... my mother is my pillar of strength, and I'm proud to be her daughter.