A letter from my daughter

I was thinking about you and I decided to write you a letter. I haven't written you a letter in a very long time, and now I can do it all shnazzy and electronically. Do you remember going to see Lord of the Rings on Christmas night, just you and me, and having to leave cause the theater was so cold? By normal standards that Christmas would have sucked, haha, but just know that you being there made it okay. You always filled the gap. I never felt unloved.

Mom, I want you to know that I am very proud of you. I know that you and I can be very different, and that I can be a pain in the ass...often. But I want you to know that I swell with pride when I think of my mother. I am exceedingly grateful for all that you have done for me and my siblings. It makes me so proud that others look at you and are impressed with the things that you have done and the person that you are. And they do. The impact you have on the people around you... it really is amazing. You have helped change more than one life for the better.

I have been dealing with lots of different sorts of people and a lot of responsibility. I can actually go up to a counter and tell them what I want! Ahh...milestones. =] And I was thinking about this. And I thought of you and how so much of who I am and what I have been able to do is because of you. Reebok tennis shoes, Christmases, pretty bedrooms and new clothes every school year, were awesome. But you gave us so much more as well. The things you have taught me and the talks that we have had. The memories. Me and my sisters sat around remembering our favorites for hours the other day. That's the stuff that really sticks. It means so much having those things. Like a little token to keep in your pocket. Something that gives you strength and comfort when things are hard. You gave stability, something I know you didn't have.

I feel strong as a person. I feel like I know who I am. I feel like I have found good things and good people to surround myself with. All of this would be nothing if I didn't know you were there, my support. I am honored to have you be so much a part of me.

Don't worry, no bad news is accompanied with this letter. I just wanted to take a minute to let you know some things, because I haven't in a while. And I am sorry for that.

I love you Mama

-M