Dear mom,

I honestly don't think I can speak with justified words. But I would simply like to thank you for being my mom. You fulfill that position in more ways than I knew were possible. I know that lately I haven't been the most patient or gracious of children. And I know you've had to spend quite a bit of time with me lately, but I've enjoyed that so much too :) I really never understood what it meant to be relentlessly patient, fervently loving, and exceedingly gracious. But you have shown me what that looks like, if not my entire life, especially this past year.

I've never experienced such weariness and confusion followed by such open arms and a desire to pick up all the peices with a gentle hand. No matter the situation you have not once lost patience with me. And I could not be more thankful. You set such a wonderful example for what a mother should look like. You can stop shaking your head to that. No matter the circumstance you are there to be mom. You are a momma bear when you need to be, and you are a loving mom to even those who aren't your own. You never cease in the pursuit of your daughters' livlihood. And in turn, never ever place yourself before us. So with that sometimes you should let us do that for you, okay? The things you might only be able to think of as hindering to your being a mom or a grandma, are not such things. To me, I see a relentlessness and passion in you that exceeds anything and everything. And because of that, you do more and are more than a child could ever imagine. I am so fervidly proud to say that you are my mom. You show me exactly how a mom should be. No one is perfect, of course, I'm sure that's what you're thinking. But let me tell you something.

As you know, rearing children is one of the most difficult and rewarding and incredible positions to be granted, so I've heard. And as such, I see you in each of us, because you're our mom, and you've placed such great depth and passion and care into each relationship you have with your children. And as one of your children, I have the right to say of what great importance you are. And I have the knowledge and heart to know that you don't, nor will you ever, love us too much. You simply share the love that God has placed directly in your heart for each of us equally. And with such love, you reflect in so many ways, the way God loves us. You have spurred me on in my relationship with Christ and my passions and pursuits in life with such great love and compassion and joy. I say this with all sincerity of heart: If I could be half of a mother that you are to me, I would be completely shocked.

I really do not know what I would do without you. I cherish you so deeply and I hope you know how special you are. You are so special. I am so proud to say that you're my mom. I really am. And I want you to never question your importance, especially in that area of life. I need you everyday. And God grants you to me everyday. And I am just so thankful. I love you, mom.