Sometimes the best way to really honor your mother is to just put the right words together from your heart and say Thank You…
Dear Mama: A Letter To The Strong Woman Who Raised Us
Dear Mama,
I have never appreciated you more than I do at this moment. Through every stage of my life; you were there.
Mom, you taught me many things while growing up, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned from you was how to improvise. I remember the time I was sweeping the floor with a broom and couldn’t find a dustpan, you told me to use a thin, unopened envelope. A small lesson to some, but this advice taught me to always use what I have to make things right.
I don’t know the reason why you dropped out of high school, but you were bound and determined that all four of your children would graduate with a high school diploma. Many of us have gone on to college and beyond. All of us took career paths that we love. Mommy, I admire your will power because after you had raised us, you got your GED, and now you are attending Bible Seminary School. I am happy to see that you are pursuing your dream of attending college.
My favorite childhood memory is coming home from school to the smell of your fried chicken and watching you cook dinner for us. I remember the fun road trips we used to take in Tommy’s burgundy and white minivan to visit family in Charlottesville, Virginia. I think of The Awakening Statue and I remember how you used to take us to Haynes Point. I used to love how we would eat Popeye’s chicken while sitting on top of a blanket to have an intimate family picnic. I remember how excited you made me feel when you would give my siblings and me $1000 a piece, leaving the money under our pillow for us to find. Let’s not forget the epic birthday parties you would plan for me. I still hold the memories of my 16th, 21st and 25th birthday parties in the back of my mind. Those were the good’ole days.
The best advice you gave me as a child was always do my best in school. As a teenager, you would always tell me to watch the company I keep. When I began dating, you said: “Never date a guy from your neighborhood because if things doesn’t work out, your personal business will get circulated throughout the neighborhood.” You’ve always told me to stand for what is right. As a wife, you told me to keep people out of my marriage and treat my husband like a king. The best advice you shared about motherhood isn’t anything you said but what I saw in your actions and how you never gave up on us.
You did an exciellent job raising us, mom. I want to say, I’m sorry for not always treating you with the respect you deserved, especially when I was a teenager and young adult.
Thank you for your love and your prayers.
Thank you for never turning your back on me.
I am who I am because of you. I will LOVE you forever Mom.
Love,
Keianna
If you could put the right words together for your mother, what would you thank her for the most?
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