“Mama,” is more than just a word to me, it is a reason. Mama is the reason to always say “please” and “thank you.” Mama is the reason to always say that you love your grandma’s casserole and wear leggings under every dress, and she is the reason I greet every person with an open heart and mind.

My mama is the reason for almost everything in my life, including who I am. She is my rock when I need comfort, and the person who will tell me the truth no matter how hard it is to swallow. Sometimes, I wish that I could deny how much I resemble my mother, both in personality and looks; it’s uncanny. My whole life, actually, I’ve been told just how much I look like my mother, and when I open my mouth, people often tack on that I sound like my mother. I am guilty as charged.

As much as I am like my mother; however, I am even more like my father. What I did not get from him in looks, - thanks for not passing on the blue eyes, dad - I got in personality. I am sociable like my father, occasionally (always) forgetful, I follow directions exactly and can barely read between the lines, I cannot remember lists of things to do, I get lost in my own world, and I love driving if only to recount stories that people have heard 500 times. What can I say? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

My dad is the reason that I’ve never had to kill a spider. He is the reason that I’m picky when it comes to dating boys, and why I find blessings in even the smallest moments in life. My dad is the reason behind my sense of humor, and why I know the secret to making the perfect grilled cheese.

If you know my family and I, you know how close we are; it may have come as a surprise that my first Odyssey article wasn’t over my parents and our amazing, sometimes wacky relationship. The truth is, I’ve waited to write about the ole mom and pops until I needed to.

Going into my second week of sophomore year, I need to.

I wish that I had listened to those who warned me that I would miss my parents in college. After spending 18 years under the same roof, I assumed that I would be ready to spread my wings and fly away from the nest that I’ve spent all of my life in. I was partially right. I love college. I absolutely love the atmosphere and opportunities that surround me. I am in love with my sorority and the amazing women whom I have met through Kappa Delta… but there’s always something missing without my mother’s guidance and my father’s life-talks.

Mom and dad, I wish that you were here with me more than you could know. However, even when you aren’t here, I hope you know that I find myself following in your footsteps and making decisions, always hearing in the back of my head “because I said so.”

Why?

Because you said to be honest at all times; maybe that’s why I’m honest to a fault.

Because you said to always keep my head up, even when life is dragging me down.

Because you said that the cure to all of life's ailments are found in the scripture.

Because you said to never confusing wanting with needing.

Because you said to always look out for others, even when they seem to have everything under control.

Because you said you love me, even at my worst because you know my best side.

I do all that I do because my mama and daddy said so - because they have taught me how to live through kindness and compassion and never let my dreams escape my grasp. This may be one of the only times that I will admit it, but my parents are always right, and I miss them more and more every day that I am an hour and a half away from them.