Dear Mom - Happy Mother's Day!

Dear Mom,

For everything I am, I owe to you.

You have provided me with common sense, an open mind, a compassionate heart, and relentless determination. Your gentle approach to being "mom", has given me immense strength and courage, because you allowed me to find my own path in this world, instead of forcing me to follow yours. Your example has guided me to hone in on my own inner strength and tune in to my gut instincts, allowing me to determine right from wrong, regardless of what society deems "acceptable".

You've always provided me with unconditional love, tremendous patience, and unwavering trust. You've never disregarded my feelings, no matter how irrational or over the top. My ideas, thoughts, and feelings were all valid and important. You trusted me to make my own decisions and in turn, develop confidence and trust within myself. The impact of these small acts have shaped the person I am today and the mother that I have become, and I couldn't have asked for a better teacher in this life.

You never pushed your values or beliefs onto me. 

You didn't tell me what to do or be; you allowed my own creativity to shine through.

You didn't force me to believe the same religion as you; you allowed me to explore all and develop my own beliefs.

You didn't tell me which political party to follow because it was your "party affiliate"; you allowed me to find my own voice.

You didn't force me to eat meat at 4 because the entire family did; you allowed me to be vegetarian and honored my love for all living beings.

You didn't yell at me when I made mistakes; you allowed me to fix, learn, and grow from them.

You didn't solve my problems; you allowed me to work through them myself.

You didn't teach me to play the game because it's "easier"; you taught me how to stand up on my own two feet and be strong in times of difficulty.

I will forever remember the life lessons you have taught me, and the memories you have built along the way. You are my hero, and I couldn't be more thankful to have you as my mother. 

My wedding day...October 2009. Always by my side!

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