Dear Mom,
I don’t say this nearly enough: Thank you.
Thank you for all of the important lessons you taught me. Thank you for always loving me, even when I felt like I didn’t deserve it. Most of all, thank you for being the female mentor I never realized I needed.
You taught me how to be confident.
As I sat on your bed as a five-year-old girl and watched you get ready, I noticed every little thing you did. I watched you smile at yourself in the mirror. I watched you take a second to appreciate all of your features. I watched you, and I learned from you.
You always know what to say.
From helping me get over the mean girls in gym class to calling me everyday in college, you are always here for me. I can talk to you about anything and everything, and you’ll be here to listen.
You showed me what it means to be courageous.
When I had trouble standing up for myself, you spoke up for me. You showed me the voice I never knew I had. You stood up for me until I learned to stand up for myself, and that’s something I am so grateful for. Even now, if I ever start to lose my voice, you’re always there to help me find it.
You know every little thing about me.
From knowing the way I like my eggs to knowing exactly how I feel just by hearing my voice, there is no person that knows me better than you do. Thank you for making me talk about my problems even when I don’t feel like it—I always end up feeling better.
You taught me how to be a mentor.
Somewhere along the line, I became as courageous as you. I found myself spreading words of wisdom and giving advice to other young women. I’ve become the person I’ve always wanted to be, and I thank you for your love and guidance.
Thank you for being my super-woman, my best friend and my mentor. Through you, I’ve learned that it’s important to find strong, courageous women to look up to. Whether it’s a teacher, a sister, a celebrity shero or a friend, I’m constantly finding new mentors and allowing myself to learn and grow through them.
I will forever keep all of the lessons you taught me in my heart.
Love you always,
Sanah
