For those who have stumbled across my work, in one way or another I hope this letter inspires you to continue to strive for success. It is important to note that there is no incorrect way of defining success in life because as we know the only person that can determine success is YOU. While I believe I am at the peak of my success as I enter my final semester of my undergraduate career, I know others might disagree. Success can be almost anything like watching your daughter take her first steps, or watching your son dress up for his first job interview, and my personal favorite—watching MY mother overcome her knee surgery and still taking on major responsibilities. (I could not be half the woman she is, even if I tried).

I promised myself I would not ugly cry as I wrote this letter but the truth is, I cannot control it. I guess some of my best works are produced when I let my emotions take control every once and a while. Here is goes..

Dear Mom,

It is currently January 24^th, 2019 (4:26 PM) and in approximately 118 days, 7 hours and 33 minutes your oldest child will be a college graduate.

Let it sink in.

Just four years ago, we locked arms and cried for hours at the thought of being 380.3 miles apart. The truth is, I never wanted to leave you. I silently cried in the backseat of the truck wondering if it was safe to tell you that I had changed my mind about going away to college in Buffalo, NY. I let my pride get in the way and pretended to be satisfied with the thought of finally being on my own. They say the first few nights are the toughest when you're dorming in college but honestly my entire first year of college was quite difficult. I wanted to be closer to you. I wanted to come home to the smell of your food and to hear you yell at me in annoyance after asking, "Mom what are you doing in the kitchen." The most common response to that question was always "Just playing with the pots and pans my dear child." Instead, all I had to reminisce was the letter you wrote before your departure. I cried over and over again until my tears filled the page and all that was left was the blue ink smudged across the white paper. This is my blue print and the ultimate recipe to my success throughout my college career. The letter you wrote still reminds me how important it is to treasure every moment in life even when things seem to cloud my judgment. I have never lost sight of what I truly want for myself but I sometimes doubt my capabilities. You eliminate my worries every time they arise and I could not be anymore appreciative of you for doing so. My final semester of college is just a few days away so I thought it would be the perfect time to express myself to you.

I'd like to say thank you to your 21-year-old self for not doubting parenthood. I hope the feeling you received in knowing you'd be welcoming your first child in nine months filled your heart with pure joy. While uncertainty became your worst enemy (because I felt it), I pray that it was all washed away the moment you first held me in your arms and I gave you that sweet, innocent stare. I had never seen anyone more beautiful, intelligent and powerful as you. I knew exactly who my mom was. After all, I had nine months to listen to your precious voice from inside. I heard you laugh, cry, and yell. While you channeled through several emotions, just know you were never alone. I was always listening.

You never stopped listening to my endless rants about how I received an "A-" instead of a "A" for my online course, or how stressed I am each time midterm and final's week approaches. Instead, you made sure I fought for my "A" by all means necessary and I walked into midterm and finals week knowing I was the sh*t. Even if I had to call you a few times for reassurance. Today, tomorrow and forever I will thank you.

118 days away from walking across that stage

118 days away from being called a college grad!

118 days away from entering my career field

118 days away from reaching MY success

118 days away from thanking you mom, over and over again.

Love Always,

Delilah R.

A message for my readers:

I hope that your motivation to strive for greatness continues to make you hungry for success. Please do not allow others to define success for you. While I am grateful to have my mother join my journey, I am also aware that someone out there feels alone in this world. I am here to tell you that you are not alone. I too will be cheering you on as you reach the very top. Go out and find something that truly inspires you.