Dear Mom,
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! You have taken care of me, in one way or another, for the past 43 years, and you continue to take care of me to this day. You have become so much more than my mother. You are my friend.
I don’t remember the day that you transitioned from being just my mother to being both my mother and my friend, because it happened so easily that I guess it was just a natural progression of our relationship.
Me and my mom, enjoying some frozen virgin strawberry daiquiris.
You have encouraged me when my spirits were low, and helped me celebrate my achievements. You held me as I cried over my best friend’s death in 1992. You talked me down from the ledge every semester at college when I would call you and tell you that I was going to quit. My college diploma is yours (seriously)! You (and dad) drove all the way from Gulfport, Miss., to Cleveland, Tenn., surprising me at my bridal shower. You (and dad) helped me and Michael in many, many ways – spiritually, emotionally, and financially. I hope you know that all of your support has not gone unnoticed.
I remember, when we lived in Levelland, Texas, how you and I would go to McDonald’s and split a big breakfast. I was often late for school, but I didn’t care. I was with my mom!
I remember your taking me and Tim to see Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The three of us walked into the theater, praying that God wouldn’t strike us down before we found our seats. I also remember seeing Weekend at Bernie’s and laughing so loudly at the antics in that movie. You were with me there too, remember? I’m glad you love movies as much as I do, especially since we’ve seen our fair share of good movies and not-so-good movies.
Me and my mom getting ready to watch “The Great Gatsby”.
You laughed with me, and sometimes at me, and many times, you cried with me. You held my hand, you wrapped your arms around me when I needed a hug, and you prayed for me when I couldn’t say a prayer myself.
You took care of your parents for more than 20 years, and you helped take care of dad’s parents. My grandparents were blessed to have you (and dad) in their lives to take care of them in the last days of their lives. I know it was hard on you at times, but you’ll be rewarded when you get to Heaven.
You were there for me when I had my hysterectomy, and then when I had my colonoscopy (where I perfected my colonoscopy pose). You accompanied me on several trips to West Memphis. You re-introduced me to Mary Kay. My memories with you are so many that I could probably go on and on and on and on… but I’ll start wrapping up my sappy blog post.
So today, on Mother’s Day, I just wanted to take this opportunity on such a public platform to thank you for being my mom and my friend.
Happy Mother’s Day! I love you to the moon and back… to infinity and beyond!
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
