To My Mother...

Words cannot describe my mother. Funny. Lovely. Witty. Intelligent. Strong. Comforting. Loving. Honest. Protective. Fierce. All of these words accurately describe her, but, in truth, none of them do her justice. No words can capture her spirit, her heart, or the imprint she has made on mine. No words can accurately describe her checking on me in the dead of night when I got sick as a little girl. Her hand on my forehead, and her voice near me did more than any amount of medicine ever could. No words can capture moments of making homemade pizzas when I had overnight company or bunny cakes near my birthday. No words can measure the amount of support she gave to me in middle school, when she guarded me against the cruelties of others by constantly telling me that I was someone to be proud of. No words can retell phone conversations in college where she told me that she believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. There are no words to describe my mother. She is God's gift to me, a force of good given to help guide me through this life. She is is the lie-detector that keeps me honest and the laughter that keeps me smiling. She is the warrior that keeps me strong and the reality check that keeps me sane. We may disagree sometimes, but I know where she stands all the time: behind me in support or beside me in love. So, mommy, I want you to know today and everyday that I am blessed to be your daughter, and I hope that I become more like the woman you are: a woman of strength and fearlessness and laughter and love. I love you.