Happy Mother’s Day!

Mom,

I’ll be honest. I’m not the best daughter anyone could have. In fact, I worry you, stress you out and am often impolite.

Behind every eye roll and sarcastic bark, there is an ‘I love you.’ The thought of not having you in my life is unbearable. I know one day I’ll have to live it. But honestly I’m not ready.

You have had so many hardships, more than others. From losing your dad to losing your son.

You have cried more than most. There are not enough condolences in the world to help you feel better, just time. Time you always seem to cherish.

The amount of sacrifices you’ve had to make is also insane. After Gabriel died, I remember you sleeping for three days straight. I now know your thoughts during that hazy time. You told me of the things he said to you; about not having favorites. You got out of bed and back into our lives.

Despite how completely broken you felt then, you fought for our family. You continue to fight for us every day, even when we push back.

You are the most warm-hearted person that I will ever meet. You care about everyone around you, put others above you, even if they treat you like crap.

It’s so strange for me to see how forgiving you are. Time after time people push you down, yet you forgive them.

Sometimes you give too much of yourself to others. People take way too many pieces of you too. I don’t think I’ll ever understand that.

There are so many memories that you have given me. I will always remember your quirks. The way you frown when you drive.

How you always tie your hair in a bun because it frustrates you when it’s down. How much hairspray you put on and how you laugh at your own jokes.

How you’re a person who believes in God; you believe that everything you have comes from him.

I think that everything you have is because you’ve had the courage to work for it.

Mom, you also drive me insane.

You really need to stop being on your phone when you’re driving.

Despite all the things you do that annoy me, you always give me advice, even when I don’t want to hear it. You keep me centered. I rely on you more than others.

My life would be destroyed without you. I would break.

I know you can’t stay forever … but I wish you would.

You are the definition of a strong woman. And I love you for that. The are a million reasons why I do.

I love that you give strangers rides because you were once them. I love that you’ve taught me to work hard. I love that you have taught me compassion. I especially love that you gave me the passion to follow my dreams in a realistic way.

I love who you’ve made me.

I love you a million times.

-Karina