Dear Mom,
Do you remember that one time when we came out of a movie @ Farmington Station and there was a live concert. You went up next to the stage and started outshining the band with your dance moves...and then, suddenly, you tripped and fell onto the laps of the people in the front row? Yeah, Carson and I busted up laughing about that today. I can't help but think "that's my mom" and THAT was AWESOME.
Yesterday, you were explaining why you chose to do what you did in your life. You said motherhood has been more fulfilling than any other occupation or opportunity you could have ever chosen--that we, your children, are your world. {You have sacrificed your life, for us. I am grateful.}
Today is your birthday. I am sad I cannot be with you today. I love to write and I found no better way to articulate how grateful I am for you than through a letter.
Today is your birthday. I am sad I cannot be with you today. I love to write and I found no better way to articulate how grateful I am for you than through a letter.
You are a mother of joy, love, hope, radiance, and true beauty. I attribute a great part of who I am to you. As children, we come into this world, entirely dependent on others to rear and raise us. I am so grateful to have Y-O-U as my mother.
*You have loved me endlessly + have given nothing but your best effort.
*You protected me from the dangers of the world while allowing me to really experience life for myself.
*You instilled in me a curiosity of the world--a love of learning and a desire to continually increase my education.
*You lovingly raised me with the truthfulness of the gospel.
*You showed me how to love people, to truly love.
*I can talk to you about anything.
*I can talk to you about anything.
*You taught me how to be brave. To not fear doing hard things.
*Growing up, you repeatedly told all of us that we could be and do whatever we wanted to. Hearing that as a little girl, changed me.
*You raised me to be optimistic and resilient of difficulties.
*Moving over a dozen times in my lifetime, it seemed as if we were always on the move, yet you taught me to live in the moment. To cherish each day we have to live.
*You taught me to not only befriend but to love all, no matter the differences, because that's what good people do.
*You were on the front row of every track meet, award's ceremony, swim meet, dance lesson, etc.
*You taught me to love nature. To find freedom and peace in God's beautiful world.
*You looked forward to each new day, embracing life with hope and happiness.
*You raised us to be creative and to love each other. Most of our childhood home videos consisted of all of us singing, dancing, playing outdoors, making crafts, or making up plays---using our IMAGINATIONS. Childhood was bliss. We didn't need to have friends over because we had each other. My sisters are my best friends. Family is the most important thing to me and I believe that is because you raised us that way.
*You raised us to be creative and to love each other. Most of our childhood home videos consisted of all of us singing, dancing, playing outdoors, making crafts, or making up plays---using our IMAGINATIONS. Childhood was bliss. We didn't need to have friends over because we had each other. My sisters are my best friends. Family is the most important thing to me and I believe that is because you raised us that way.
* You taught me to have confidence in myself. To love and be kind to myself despite what popular culture would have us be and do. I even remember during my awkward stages (which I hit hard), I had all of the confidence in the world....it totally boggles my mind. (I found these two pics from a scrap book I made when I was little....for those who don't believe me, this is serious.) Do you remember when I 'officially' changed my name to "Rachel A.J. Tigers", wore pigtails every day for 2 years, shopped in the boys section w/ Chels, wore Dad's XL hoodies, smiled out of the side of my mouth, lifted up my eyebrows when you cut my bangs--> straight across my forehead, and .....just because I liked it. You always made me feel that I was the most beautiful, talented girl and because of it, my confidence was rooted in a higher, unchanging source that you helped me to discover.
You taught me how to do these things, because you do them.
I would not be who or where I am without you and Dad.
As we are starting our own family, I only hope to be as good of a mother as you have been to me.
As we are starting our own family, I only hope to be as good of a mother as you have been to me.
Mom, thank you for being the b-e-s-t mother for me. I will love you, forever and always.
Love, Rach
Beautiful. Your love for her is so real, you can taste it! Can't wait for you to have a baby - then your love for your mom will explode.
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