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An Open Letter To My Mother

She is more than my mother, she is my best friend.

Alisha Wein

Jul 26, 2016

Lock Haven University

Alisha Wein

Throughout my childhood and teenage years I knew my mother was special, but I didn’t realize how special she was until I went off to college and moved away from her. As I have grown older, I seem to have forgotten about the people who got me where I am, and I sometimes take for granted how lucky I am to have such a strong female in my life. So Mom, this one is for you.

Dear Mama,

I want to start off by telling you that you are appreciated. I know I don’t always show you how much I appreciate you, but I do. You have always been so special to me; as I have gotten older I have realized that you are my hero. I know life has been really hard, but you still seem to keep that beautiful smile on your face. You have sacrificed so much in your life to raise Logan, Emalee, Megan and me and it means more to us than you will ever know.

I want to say you are strong. You are strong because even though you got pregnant with me and had to drop out of college, you went on after having my three siblings and ended up getting your college degree. You are strong because you were married for 20 years and three years ago when Dad and you split up, it was the lowest point of our life and somehow you got us all through it. You are strong because when I told you I am gay, our life continued on the same way it always was. You are strong because I know we have had financial hardships and being a single mother isn’t easy, but you have given me everything that I have needed and wanted. You are strong because you are having health issues, but you still keep pushing on and still keep going for your children.

I want to say thank you. Those two words mean so little compared to every little thing it is that you have done for me. Thank you for the endless rides to everywhere I need and want to be. Thank you for the countless hugs. Thank you for all those Friday nights that you spent watching movies with me. Thank you for the smiles and the laughter. Thank you for pushing me to do my very best in everything that I do. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for accepting me for who I am. Thank you for everything, Mom.

I want to say sorry. I am sorry for the times I have disappointed you. I am sorry for the times that I have fought with you. I am sorry for the times I have hung up on you. I am sorry for all the times I have kept you worrying. I am sorry for all the times I didn’t listen to you. I am sorry that I haven’t always been the best that I can be.

I think that everyone could learn something from you, Mom, because you have raised me the same way I want to raise my children. You are honestly the sweetest and most caring person I know. You have the biggest heart.

No, I didn't get the name brand clothes. I didn't get the newest phone. I didn't get to go out to eat all the time. But, I got more than that. I got strength, motivation, support, unconditional love and so many other things.

Mom, if I am half the person you are someday, then I know I will be an amazing person. I love you, Mom.

Love always,

Alisha

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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An Open Letter To My Mother

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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