You may not have given birth to me so long ago, nor were you greeted by my accomplishments of third place ribbons, awards, and macaroni art.
You missed my younger years, in which some might say is a child’s most rewarding time- one a parent wouldn’t want to miss. However, the lacked memories of my tantrums, my mispronouncing of syllables and words alike, and even the day I first learned how to ride my bike, doesn’t matter to me now and it shouldn’t to you.
Those who were there for my progressing years evidently left, including the one who conceived me. I’ve never told you of all the times sadness filled my days from the yelling, the throwing, and the fighting nor did I mention just how bad the swings stung when they reached me.
There were daily moments I tried to hide from my parents, attempting to shelter my younger sisters when the habitual rush of fights began, but, I know now such things can’t be forgotten, but they also don’t define me.
You were there when I had no one.
The day I ran from it all, there was an open door and from that moment forward, I was yours. Though we met the day of, I felt as though I had known you my whole life. I was quiet, lacking words when I should have said something, but you worked with me and showed me what it meant to be loved.
As months passed, I started to blossom. I had wrapped up my junior year in high school with passing grades, despite the troubles and stress alongside my academics and enjoyed a summer in your care, the first one without full restrictions. I even went on to get the highest grades I received during my high school years during my senior year, even with the added challenge of a college course.
You supported me from the moment I stepped into your home and never gave up on me, even during the moments other’s would have. You strengthened me when I felt weak and loved me when I felt no one could.
Of all the things I could say to you, I always forget to say thank you.
Without you, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have been able to testify against the man who raped and abused me, nor would I be able to stand tall the second time around.
Without you, I wouldn’t have made it to a hospital bed, nor would I have graduated from high school and gotten work experience.
Without you, I wouldn’t know love. I would have been stuck with the tampered definition my biological family left me, that in which is fueled by conditions.
Without you, I wouldn’t know what it means to have a family, to have a mother…
Without you, I wouldn’t have made it… I wouldn’t be here.
So, again, I must say thank you.
You’re the greatest inspiration I have ever found.
Your unconditional love for people and animals alike gives me a heart I wish to mimics yours. Your beautiful in the way you conduct yourself and are the mother any child is thankful to have. I hope one day I can carry myself as you, with the same amount of strength, wisdom, and love, for among all the opportunities and people I could be, you’re the one I am most sure of.
Despite all the negativity my adolescence consisted of, I would endure every single part of it, ten fold, if the outcomes remains of you taking on the role as my mother and I as your daughter.
I had no one, so you became my all. Every single role and I am forever a greater person through your guidance. You motivated me when I lacked drive… You did everything my biological mother wouldn’t, what nearly my whole biological family lacked.
And because of the mix of good and bad, I am who I am.
I am a high school graduate. I am going to be a freshman in college. I am an older sister again. I am strong, brave, courageous, and beautiful. I am me.
Simply because you believed in me.
So, though you did not conceive me so many years ago, nor participate in my elementary school programs, hang up my terrible drawings, nor parent me from the start, you ARE my mother and you have been since the day we met.
And for that, I am thankful.
I love you, mom.
Forever and always,
Your eldest daughter.
