My mom is my rock. She is the most beautiful, strong, caring woman I know. Do you remember when your mom would say to you, “If bob jumped off the bridge would you jump too”? Well my mom would jump for bob if it meant being a good friend. Every single time. What do you say to the woman that mothers you, loves you, and nurtures you every single day of your life, even from 2,797.8 miles away. The same woman you screamed at, the one whose hand was washing your mouth out with soap after you screamed, and the same mother who held you in her arms when you cried after your first breakup, and the second, and the third. If I could be half the woman she is, I would be happy.

1. The meaning of unconditional love

If I could genuinely name one person in this world that loves me no matter what, it is my mother. She gave everything up for me, to make sure I was happy, even if it meant sacrificing for herself. I know there will be no one that is able to give me that kind of love besides my mom, and she taught me how to do this for those I love.

2. Forgive but never forget

My mom has seen me down in the dumps, during a breakup, during a time my friends ditched me when I didn’t get invited to a party. She reminded me that forgiveness is important and that people make mistakes. However remembering these things only help us become a stronger person and be able to learn from these mistakes so i never treat anyone that way.

3. Don’t expect to much from others

I was taught to always go the extra mile. This woman would give her left arm to make sure someone else was happy, and I always saw her do this, however never saw her get anything back. As I grew older I did the same, and realized that you can’t always expect the same from others, you do it for yourself and knowing you were a good person.

4. Karma is a bitch

Although my mom is the most sweet and sensitive lady, she would kick some major ass for me. Just remember, mess with me and you’re messing with my moo moo. Message to all.

5. How to be independent

When I was younger I was afraid to cross the street without my mom. She was my security, she made me feel indestructible. As I grew older, she taught me the meaning of being independent, that I didn’t need anybody to make me happy, and that I could do anything I set my mind too if I worked for it.

6. Beauty is on the inside

My mom always sees the best in people. Even the worst people, she manages to see something no one else could. She taught me that a true friend is made through actions, not who is only there during the good times. She taught me to look on the inside of someone, get to know someone before ever judging them.

7. Never make weak excuses

Excuses are for the weak. If you want something and can’t obtain it, work harder,use your resources, do everything you can to accomplish it. An excuse just means you didn’t want it bad enough. When I said i wanted to be a writer, but I was working another job, she told me to not be lazy and do something about it. here I am.

8. Its okay to make mistakes

Being accountable for your mistakes is important, however it has always been comforting to know that it is okay to make a mistake. This is how we learn. This is how we become to people we are. We learn from these mistakes, and as long as we change and don’t remake the same ones, everything will be okay.

9. Being sensitive doesn’t mean you’re weak

Just because you’re sensitive doesn’t mean you’re weak. My mother is a very sensitive woman, but the strongest woman I know at the same time. We are emotional; we lead with our heart and sometimes forget there are bad people in the world. My mom taught me that being sensitive is a beautiful thing; just remember to stand up for myself.

10. How to be a good mother

I was raised by a mother who loved me unconditionally, always supported me, taught me what friendship was, what internal beauty is, and taught me to never give up. Whether i realize it, I am my mother’s daughter. Every day I see myself becoming more and more like her, the good and the bad! If I could take one thing away from my mom it would be how to be a mother.