My mother would often encourage me to stop watching television and read a book. Did I listen? Of course not. My mother would often encourage me to give her a portion of my paycheck for her to put in a saving account for me. Did I accept her great advice? Nope. Unlike many of your moms, my mom is the best. I want to spend the duration of this article expounding on that assertion. I only need three reasons to make a robust argument.

1. Big Move

First and foremost, my parents' decision to move us from Romania to the United States back in the 1980s was the best choice for our family. If it wasn't for their sacrificing everything for us, I wouldn't have such a blessed life. Even though communist Romania was a horrible time for the country, my mom had a great job, many friends, and a tight community. I can't imagine the emotions she was feeling leaving her comforts to move to a strange land. She started working at a local grocery store making minimum wage and eventually became a licensed nail technician. My parents worked hard to ensure my siblings and I had the resources we needed to succeed in life. The big move set the stage for the rest of our lives.

2. Big Heart

My mom went through some great heartbreak. Besides leaving the country and people she loved, she went through a hard divorce early in her life. I don't bring this up lightly. Her ex-husband was an abusive drunk and worthless piece of shit. It makes me mad to this day just thinking about what she had to go through because of him. Though the church and community she was part of looked down on divorce, she did what was best for herself and didn't look back. Even through all of that, she taught me how to love unashamedly and unconditionally. She also taught me how to forgive. When people wrong me, I tend to become angry and stubborn. She showed me that we have to forgive people so we can progress. Her big heart was the foundation for the next stage of my life.

3. Big Spirit

My parents grew up in a baptist church and held tight to their faith. During the trials in their lives, it was their foundation that helped them endure. Like my previous examples about reading books, she still continues to encourage me to read the Bible often and passionately. I envy her desire to know God intimately with a deep conviction and devotion. My parents' endurance in the faith is a major reason my siblings and I hold onto the Christian tradition. My mom's faith in Christ's forgiveness transformed the way she encounters people. She has learned to forgive people even when they have done horrible things to her. Without her big heart, she wouldn't be the amazing person she is today.