We used to fight.
All.
The.
Time.
“Elizabeth, you can’t wear that. It’s too short.”
You were right. I was fifteen.
“Elizabeth, get your head out of your phone. We have company.”
I was being impolite. We had people over.
“Elizabeth, you’re being difficult. I’m just trying to help you.”
I was moody and stubborn as hell. Still am.
And still…
Despite the fighting, and the battles, and the tears, you continued to be there for me.
You were the one that sat down with me and helped me figure out college applications.
You were the rock that held me steady when my entire world was crumbling apart.
You were there, with words of encouragement, telling me that I could do anything I set my mind to.
High school was a rough patch. High school was a living hell. And you got me through it.
And now, our relationship has changed some.
Yes, you are still my mother.
Yes, I continue to respect you and ask you for guidance.
And yes, I don’t always like what you have to say… but we’ve become friends.
I tell you everything.
I texted you when I watched a horror movie and couldn’t fall asleep after.
I vent to you about my professor that assigned WAY too much work for the first week of classes.
I call you whenever I miss you.
And I run to you when I see you waiting for me at baggage claim.
And I hate running.
You have gone above and beyond for me, a billion times over.
You build me up when I tear myself down.
You tell me I’m beautiful, even when I can’t see it myself.
You are the person I look up to.
Never before have I met a woman as strong as you.
As capable as you.
As brave as you.
As smart as you.
As exquisite as you.
Four years ago, if somebody had told me that I was going to become best friends with my mother, I would have laughed in their face.
Now, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I see that there truly is a method to your madness.
And I still think, sometimes, that you are actually crazy.
But I also get it.
And I’m also crazy. I guess.
I mean, not as crazy as you.
(Y’all should see how she organizes the refrigerator.)
Thank you for being my role model, my greatest cheerleader, and for giving me all the love in the world. I’m the luckiest daughter to have a mom that is you. I know little girls that would kill to have a relationship and a bond like ours. I’m proud of you, mom. You put up with so much every single day. And you’re doing an amazing job.
Happy Birthday, Jeni.
I love you to the moon and back, and there again.
xoxo, Elz
1/29/2020