Being raised by a single mother is truly a blessing. My beautiful and strong mom shaped me into the person that I am through her wholehearted love and endless support. Our journey wasn't easy at times, but I wouldn’t trade being raised my a single mom for anything.
It's true what the say: the apple never falls far from the tree. So thank you, mom for always doing your best and being not just a great supporter but being the best friend I could have ever asked for.
These are all the amazing things you've taught me over the years:
1. You’ve shown me how to never give up simply from leading by example.
For you there was never an excuse to give up. I know that because I watched you stumble more than a few times but always get right back up. You taught me character, strength and perseverance.
2. You've taught me that it’s okay to be yourself without explanation.
You've blessed me with a strong independent heart and taught me that I never have to explain to anyone who I am or why I make a certain decision. I am who I am, and if someone isn’t okay with it, then they don’t deserve to be part of my life.
3. You independence also taught me to never feel the need to beg for attention from anyone.
While teaching me to be self-sufficient you also taught me confidence and self-respect. You showed me how to believe in my abilities and to never settle for anything less than I deserve.
4. And that very girl be more than okay without a man.
I don't need anyone to support me or validate me. I don't need to have someone to come home to every night to make me feel complete. I can do that all on my own.
5. So I should always, always, embrace my power.
You taught me to never back away from the things that scare me. There is no shame in going after the things that I want no matter how hard they may seem. In the end, whatever happens at least it was a lesson learned.
6. You’ve shown me how to own up to my actions.
No one is perfect. Not you or me or anyone for that matter. It's okay to be shaky on your feet, take as much time as you need to be steady and sturdy. Own when you are wrong and rejoice when you are right.
7. Just from watching you live, I’ll never let the world make me hard.
The world is not black and white. And if you can find it within yourself to make the choice to allow both of those things to change you, to help you, to heal you and mold you, you're doing something right.
8. I've learned to let go when it’s time.
Everything is always going to be changing and turning into what you never thought it would. If something hurts you once, keep your hands out. And if something hurts you twice, let it pass you on the third round.
9. Because life is too short to be anything but grateful.
There should be more color, more laughing and hugging and happiness. Enjoy things as much as you can and as often as you can. Reflect on everything.
10. Never give up on people.
Everyone is fighting a battle. There is a reason why we are the way that we are and sometimes, it's nothing more than that. We are here to help one another, to lean on one another and to love. Don't shut down and turn people away.
11. And I’ll always forgive.
People mess up. They hurt our feelings and their own and that's okay because it happens. Don't let it settle with you, don't carry it with you. It's much easier to forgive than it is to keep hurting and hating.
I will always be brave because of you, mom. I will never be able to thank you enough for all the things that you have given to me. It's because of you that my heart is strong and my head is firmly on my shoulders. But it also because of you that I can emotional and vulnerable.
I only hope that one day, I will be able to be as much of a blessing to her as you are to me everyday.
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