A Letter To Mom

Dear Mom,

Growing up, you always taught me to be humble, to give more, and always say thanks. Not a birthday went by where you didn’t make me sit down and write a thankyou card for every gift I received. When my best friend’s family took me on vacation with them, you made sure that I let them know how grateful I was. When grandpa would fix the brakes on my bike, you made sure I went and cut his grass the next week.

Whenever something good happened, you made sure I let the person know how appreciative I was. It didn’t matter how big or small a gesture was, a thank you always followed.

But throughout everything, there was always one person who never asked for thanks. You made me thank everyone else, but never asked for it when you did something. I can’t change the past, but I can let you know that everything you did, did not go unnoticed, or unappreciated.

A mom’s job is tough. The hours are endless. It pays nothing. And in most cases, you don’t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes. You were the backbone of our family. The person who got everyone together for holidays. And the one who didn’t take a break until we were fed, had our baths and finished our homework.

It’s incredible how selfless you were.

From rushing home from work to take me to baseball practice, or helping me finish science projects late at night. You were always there. With a smile on your face, ready to take on anything.

As I got older, we fought. Someone was wrong, the other was right and we didn’t always see eye to eye. And even though I was rude, or grumpy or just plain selfish. You never stopped loving me.

You were my biggest supporter, loudest fan in the stands and always had my back.

When I went off to university, you didn’t make it to the highway before you started to tear up.

When I graduated, you were front and center with the camera in hand, and a smile that lit up the auditorium.

When I failed, you picked me up. When I wanted to quit, you said no. When I succeeded, you celebrated.

It’s truly amazing how much you actually did. With nothing asked for in return. But a hug when I left, or a “love you too” before I hung up the phone.

You made me thank everyone, but never asked for it yourself. I wish I would have said this when you were still here. So, thank you, for all of this and so much more.

Thank you for staying up with me when I had nightmares.

For taking the day off work to stay home when I was sick.

For knowing that something was wrong just by looking at me.

For loving me unconditionally, even though I was a total brat sometimes.

For sitting through hot baseball games, and driving across the country for tournaments.

For not telling dad when I did something I shouldn’t have.

For working overtime so I could have the shoes and clothes I wanted.

For the family vacations when money was tight.

And for always being there no matter what.