This is a letter to the three different generations of women who I have to thank for a job well done. First of all, what do I mean by that?
Growing up, I was always the youngest in my home and on top of being the youngest, I was an only child. In my household, there was my 70 year old grandmother, my 40 year old aunt, my 30 year old mother, and then, there was me. When I was younger, I always saw it as being in a house full of women and older people. Now that I am older, I see it as being in a house with, what I like to call, three generations of wisdom, knowledge, strength, and courage.
When I look at you, Mom, I see a strong, independent mother. A woman who would sacrifice anything for the benefit of her own child and family. I saw you as my super hero. The person I called mom and dad. I never understood why you did some of the things you did, but now I do. It was for my best interest because there's no love like a mother's love. I celebrated Father's Day and Mother's Day with you because you were all I knew. You are the youngest of six, but the child with the "seven senses." I admire you for being twice the parent anyone else couldn't have ever been to me. This person is not only a great wife and a caring daughter, but a loving, nurturing mom as well. To my mother, thank you for being a God-fearing woman.
To my grandmother: I see so much of my own mother within you. You are the rock that kept us all mounted together to build a solid foundation. I commend you for everything you've done for me and my mom. I don't think any grandparent would ever do half of the things you did for this family. I look back on the things in the past that you've endured and I can't do anything but cry. You are the bravest woman I know. So much knowledge and wisdom from you has rubbed off on your off springs and their off springs. It just amazes me how much you do for others and how more more you still have to give. That, to me, is the definition of a Child of God. To my grandmother, I'll always be at your side not just because of what you did for me, but because there's nothing I wouldn't do for you.
To my Aunt: You're the best. I watched you from sun up to sun down cook and clean without hesitation, just to take a load off of others. You work tirelessly to get the job done and that's a trait I'm glad you passed down to me. Being the oldest of six is definitely NOT an easy job, but you make it look like it can be done with little to no effort at all. I know how much you have sacrificed for me as well and it has not gone unnoticed. Knowing how much I longed for a sibling, you stepped in and made things a little more exciting. Thank you for being the worlds greatest aunt. I gained a lot from you and I hope it continues to stay the same for the years following. Words can't describe how big of an asset you've been in my raising. I love you.
Oh! There is one last person I forgot to mention in this family letter. Her story is incomplete, but this next chapter of her life will be one to put in the books: Good luck Chelsea.