Dear Mom,
You taught me how to live. How to love. How to laugh.
You taught me to fight through every hard thing that life throws at me, with every attempt to knock you down. Get back up and fight. You taught me to be resilient.
You taught me that no matter what challenges you face, do not let it take away your sparkle, shine, your smile.
To always never stop learning, growing, and becoming a better version of you.
You taught me that age is just a number and we are as young as we feel.
You taught me that we are not defined by money or material things. It does not make you who you are. Having standards, morals, and how you treat others defines you.
You taught me what being selfless looks like.
You taught me how to be a dedicated wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.
You taught me what hard work is. Being a devoted nurse for over 30 years is about as much hard work as you can do. The emotional, physical, and mental toll that it takes is grueling. There is a reason they say nurses are angels; you exemplified that.
To be compassionate. Living and demonstrating for your children to see such selflessness and what it means to truly care for others and your community. Living with a servant’s heart.
Humor and the ability to laugh and smile through all the hard stuff.
Treat others how you want to be treated. Not everyone will treat you the same and that is okay, you are still you. Do not let the world change who you are or who you want to become.
Unexpected things happen; plans do not go accordingly. Figure it out and keep moving forward.
The importance of an education. You need to be educated. This has a different meaning for some. Educate yourself in something.
You taught me to be independent. Do not rely and expect someone to do everything and provide everything for you.
Do not be dependent on anyone. No woman. No man. Do not be dependent on someone else for your happiness. You own your happiness. No one else can steal your joy. Do not let them.
Treat every day as a gift. Time is fleeting. Things happen in the blink of an eye. Your world can change in an instant. Treasure the moment.
Live each day to its fullest. Embrace life, love, laugh, do right by yourself and others.
Love the little things.
You taught me to find beauty in everything. Some of life’s greatest treasures are the littlest things life has to offer. Those little things end up being the biggest, most important things.
Be fair. Be fair to yourself and to others. Extend grace and understanding to others but do not forget to give yourself some grace as well.
Forgiveness. The importance of forgiving others you feel have wronged you. Also forgive yourself. That is powerful. Do not let yourself become bitter or resentful. Forgive. Your heart and mind deserve it.
Never lose your self respect, dignity, integrity, or morals. These four things are irreplaceable, I promise you.
You taught me the power of prayer. The importance of having faith, hope, and love. The importance of believing in a greater power, a greater purpose. I have lived it, I have seen the power of prayer. Never losing hope, never losing your faith.
Living with a purpose. Find your purpose. Find your passion. Live a life with intent. Live a life that is memorable and make a difference. You have one life, make the most of it.
Leave a legacy. You taught me to live by example and to promote what you love. Your legacy, your values, will live on through your children and grandchildren. Make your legacy a good one.
The power of positivity. Always believe in the good about yourself, others, in the world.
There is so much power to positive thinking.
Never give up hope. Hope will sometimes be the only thing you have to hold onto. Keep holding on with everything you have.
Faith: you taught me to never lose my faith. To pray, to keep believing, because even when you think there is no hope, faith will pull you through.
Love, oh my, you taught me what true unconditional love was and is. Thank you for that. No matter what, never stop loving. You taught me how to love as a daughter, sister, wife, and most importantly, as a mother. Thank you for all your unconditional love and support. You did not do it in vain.
You taught me how to be a mom. There is so much to say. You taught me to give my all to my children, to be selfless. You did this to a fault. I wish you had done more for yourself in your short 56 years while we had you here. That just was not you, though, so thank you for all of your selflessness. Thank you for showing me the true meaning of love. A mother’s love is like no other.
You taught me to not sweat the small stuff. This too shall pass. It always does. Always.
Take the time to let people know what they mean to you. That you love them. That you care for them. Everything is about the little things. Life is made up of a sequence of very important and very insignificant events and things in life. Not everything requires all of your attention and passion. Choose accordingly what you want to give your energy to.
I see you everyday in a million little and big ways. You are gone but very much present. As long as I live, your memory, your mission, your zest for life will carry on in honor of you. Happy Mother’s Day to a phenomenal, beautiful, amazing, selfless, compassionate, adventurous momma. I was and am blessed to have been given you to be my mom. I love you today, always, and forever. I miss you even more, everyday.
Love always and forever,
Your Girl
