Mom,
You have shown me how strong a person can be, how hard work can impact your life positively, how making sacrifices can ultimately be worthwhile, and lastly, how to be the best daughter, mother and sister. I am incredibly grateful to have you as my mother, and it is because of your amazingly bright personality that I want to share your story with others.
You are brave.
From being married for 15 years to choosing to be alone with your three daughters for the sake of our future, I have grown up seeing you sacrifice a lot in life for us. You sacrificed going out with your friends for drinks just to stay home and tuck us into bed with a kiss. You went through a cancer scare but chose not to worry us with details because you didn’t want us to lose focus in school, ultimately dealing with it all on your own. You have dealt with financial issues because of my father’s neglect in paying child support, always working extra days to make ends meet for us. You chose to leave your family behind in Puerto Rico to move us to Florida, for the sake of us having better opportunities academically. All of these things and more are just a few reasons why I think you’re the bravest person I know.
You are the most lovable.
With everyone you talk to and everywhere you go, your sweet personality and honest intentions follow. When I was attending high school at the same school you taught at, I saw how much you cared about your students in your classes. You made sure to make connections with your custodians and always made a good impression with the administrative staff. I would walk around and students would stop me just to tell me how much they loved having you as their teacher; it would make me the happiest girl in the world. Whenever anyone praises my approachability or friendliness, I give all the credit to you, because it is you who I learned it from. I love that you are always so optimistic, and you always wholeheartedly make sure to extend that onto others. I wish that even an ounce of your personality is in my veins, as I too would love to be as lovable as you are.
You are caring.
You have always put others first, no matter who it is. You are the most selfless person I know. Your dedication towards my sisters and me, raising us on your own while being a full-time teacher, has not gone unnoticed by me at all. You have always strived to provide us with a better life, and I have always and will always admire you for that.
You are the most encouraging.
When I wasn’t at my best in my senior year of high school — seeing all of those rejection letters from universities, struggling to decide on a major, and struggling emotionally — it was your reassuring words and encouragement that kept me going. You made sure I knew how proud you were of me, and reminded me that whatever happened, you would always be by my side. You probably don’t even know how much that meant to me. It meant the world. You are the primary reason I constantly challenge myself and work hard. No matter what life brings me, I strive for the betterment of myself, like you always have. It is because of you that I’ve learned to stay strong and persevere despite what life throws in my way. “Everything happens for a reason” is the motto you live by and have pushed onto my sisters and me, and now I can wholeheartedly say that I live by that as well.
You are the best mother.
All in all, you are the most amazing mother and I thank God every day because I have you in my life. You have taught me how to be brave, lovable, caring, encouraging, and above all, how to be the best version of myself that I can be. My little sisters and I are so thankful for all that you have done for us and we live to make you proud. My life would not be as good, and I would not be who I am, without you.
Gracias por todo mami, te amo.
All images provided by the author.