A Letter to My Mama

Dear Mom,

Happy Mother's Day for the 28th time. I would have said 27 because that's how long you've been MY mother-- but I do have to take my brother into account...

Your timing is impeccable. As I started to write this, I got the usual "good morning" text from you. You are probably one of the few mothers who texts their children every single morning. Seriously though, the only time you don't text me in the mornings is when you're off vacationing somewhere with my dad and even then I text you to make sure you're okay. I have come to expect these texts that my whole day feels off when I DON'T get a text from you in the morning (with the exception of afternoon texts on the weekend). I find it funny that girls boast about getting "good morning" texts from their crushes or significant others while I'm over here like "yeah, I get good morning texts EVERY DAY from my MOTHER... Beat that!"

Believe it or not, I remember the first time you sent me a good morning text. I had just gone off to college and, of course, you weren't used to the whole me-not-living-at-home thing yet. At the time, I remember thinking, "OMG lady, I've been gone less than 24 hours and it's not even 8:00 AM yet!" Teenage me felt annoyed and loved at the same time. Mostly annoyed, though.

I remember thinking that at some point, your texts would start to decrease in consistency until I no longer received good morning texts from you-- time tends to do that kind of thing. But I was wrong. Almost 10 years have gone by since that day and you continue to text me every morning.

I completely underestimated your love.

How could I doubt your commitment as my mother? And I do mean commitment-- I have known many mothers who retire their mothering ways (to an extent) after their children reach a certain age. But not my mother-- right mom?

As a child, you gave me so much more than mere necessities. You didn't only make sure that I was well fed, well clothed, healthy, prepared for school, and finished with chores. No, you did so much more than that.

You made sure I was happy.  

Ensuring my happiness came in many forms, but I will not list them all because this letter will turn into an essay. You have been my #1 supporter, shoulder to lean (and cry) on, confidant, mentor, cheerleader, travel companion, secret keeper, nurse, therapist, chef, photographer, teacher, career coach, and most of all, my best friend.

Back when I was a teenager, I used to think you were strict and overbearing. You always wanted to know where I was and wouldn't let me go out with friends that you didn't know. You went with me EVERYWHERE I went even if it was at the mall or movies with friends until I was a teenager-- and was especially shocked when you boarded the bus I was on to head to a church retreat when I was 15 and you were coming as a chaperone! I remember being so annoyed by that because I was hanging with the "cool kids" and we did not plan on doing any church-y things on this trip-- but I had to keep myself in check if you were there. Oh, and there was no way I could hide teacher conferences and open houses at my school-- and I especially couldn't distract or convince you not to go. I couldn't get a bad grade without you contacting my teacher and checking my homework. Actually, you contacted ALL of my teachers no matter how I was doing to ensure they updated you about how I was doing in class. Not to mention that I couldn't lie about school holidays and events without you verifying for sure. Nope, I couldn't lie to an LAUSD employee about that!

As I became an adult and throughout the years, I started to understand why you said the things you said and did the things you did. It all makes sense now. From time to time, I catch myself reciting the same words you said and doing things as you did. When I realized what was happening, my first reaction was oh no! I'm turning into my mother! Sometimes I still have that reaction, but not so much anymore. Not trying to brag, but, I don't think I could have had a better childhood. How did I get so lucky?

So mom, this is my way of saying thank you. Thank you for being the best mother any person could ever have. I am proud of the woman and mother you are, and I wouldn't want you any other way. I may not live with you anymore but I still appreciate you and everything you've ever done for me and our family. You are the glue, the rock, and the heart of our family. 

I don't consider any residence I live in my home. My home is wherever YOU are. 

Love Always,

Your Bratty #2