Today is a very special day. Not only is it Friday, but it is the day my beautiful Mother blessed this Earth. It is no secret that I love my Mom dearly and would literally do anything for her, but when it came time to find the perfect birthday gift for her this year, I really struggled. You see, I'm crazy when it comes to gifts and surprises, especially for those who always go out of their way to go above and beyond for me. However, my cousin is getting married tomorrow and I am a bridesmaid in her wedding so today will be jam packed with wedding festivities and I won't really have much time to spend with my favorite girl for her birthday. Luckily, I was able to celebrate her last night and I gave her her gifts (she loved them, just wait until y'all hear about one of them.. it involves an overnight trip to Atlanta!), but this year, I didn't feel it was enough to show just how special my mother truly is. I don't always do the best job expressing my feelings to my Mom and reminding her of just how special she is and I really think she deserves to know.
So Mom, this post is for you.
Mommy,
Growing up, I knew that I had a special mother who would always make me feel happy and loved. A mother that would do ANYTHING for me and never let me go without. A mother that was a mother to everyone and would give her last to someone in need. A mother that would drive me around to my many dance practices and competitions, in and out of state, never complaining and even though it could be a LOT at times, you would be in the crowd cheering me on and playing Mom for those kids who's parents couldn't make it. Growing up, I knew that I was lucky to be your daughter.
However, it wasn't until I got older that I started seeing things more in depth. I started to see things like strength, courage, and wisdom, and I started seeing just how much it takes to do all of the things you do. I now notice more of the wonderful things that make you who you are all of the time and I appreciate what an extraordinary person you are.
Mom, I have learned so much from watching you. Every day, I see more of you in me and I can't help but smile because I know that if I could be just half of the woman you are and have always been, I will be doing just fine. You have taught me that there is always something to be grateful for. With everything you have faced throughout your life, and the major obstacles you're dealing with now, you are still SO strong. I know you have your moments, but the ability you have to pull it together in your deepest moments of sadness and self-doubt to help everyone around you, it just proves to me that when life is tough, I have the ability inside to be tougher. Not many people know the obstacles you face and sacrifices you make on a daily basis, but I am here to tell you that I see it and you are not alone. I know often times you feel alone, but I need you to know that you're not. Not only will I always be there, God is guiding you every single day and he gives the toughest jobs to his strongest warriors and you, my dear, are a strong warrior. All I ask is that you please don't forget to take care of you. I need you here for many, MANY, years to come so while you're out there being the super woman you are, don't forget to take a break from saving the world every now and then and kick your feet up. You deserve it.
I hope that you understand that I will always need my Mom, no matter how old I get. When I need help making sense of my life, I still turn to you. When I have a funny story to share (usually after Marcus tells me it wasn't funny), you're still the one I want to call and share it with next (you usually think it's funny too! :) Sometimes!). When Marcus and I are stumped on an issue or if I just need some advice, guess what? You're still the one I call. You still are and will always be one of the most important people in my world Mom, and I hope you know just how much I love you.
Before I close out this letter, I just want to say thank you.
Thank you for always telling me how much you love me. Thank you for the countless hugs and smiles. Thank you for teaching me that family is everything and that traditions will mean more as I get older (you were right). Thank you for being at EVERY dance recital/competition, gymnastic tournament, football game when I was a majorette, step show, and any other extra curricular activity. Thank you for working overtime and jobs you hated sometimes just so you could afford to give me the world. Thank you for loving my husband as if he was your own son.
Thank you for laughter, lessons, and love.
You taught me that there's no limit to the amount of LOVE that a HEART can hold. You have shaped my life in so many amazing ways and I feel so very lucky to celebrate you today.
Happy Birthday Mom, I love you around the world...and back again. XO
Your Daughter,
Jamaria
This is so sweet!! Happy birthday to your mama!
ReplyDeletexo megan
This is the sweetest post I've ever read. I'm sending it to my mom to read. I love it!!
ReplyDeleteAwww I love this so much!! Happy birthday to her!!
ReplyDeleteThis post is the sweetest!! Happy birthday to your mom!
ReplyDeletewww.rdsobsessions.com
aww I loved reading this post and the pictures are so sweet!
ReplyDeletekileen
cute & little
This is such a sweet post!! And you both look beautiful
ReplyDeletewhat a sweet message!!!
ReplyDeleteAw this is the sweetest lady!!!
ReplyDeletexo Laura Leigh
www.louellareese.com
That was beautiful! Watching you’ll and I haven’t been around along time you can feel
ReplyDeletethe love that’s why I love being around you’ll. Happy Cake day Auntie! :)������
The relationship between you two sounds so close and special!! Also, love these wedding photos!
ReplyDelete-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Beautiful post!!! Love the bond that you and your mom share!
ReplyDeletexo,
Angelle
www.dashingdarlin.com