Can you believe it? 21 years ago, you had given birth to me. Today, I'm 758 miles away from you, living a dream that me and you have had since I was little. I can honestly say this has been the biggest struggle being away from home. But more importantly, being away from my mom.

Ever since I was little, it's always been us three. Throughout the 21 years since I have been born, you have taught me so many lessons and how to be a better person. They always told me throughout school I was going to grow up not knowing how to be a man. That I was going to be weaker because I didn't have a man teaching me my life lessons.

However, what they didn't know is that I'm stronger because I didn't have him and I had you. Yes you didn't show me how to fish or how to drink a beer, but you showed me how to be a stronger person and showed me that I didn't need to feel small compared to anyone.

You taught me how to respect people. You taught me the greatest lesson that no one is better than me and I am no better than anyone else. You always taught me to rise above all trial and situations that brought me down — whatever the situation is, you must rise above it and be the better man out of it. I truly mean it when I say I would've been an insensitive brat if I didn't have you.

Finally, you taught me to take nothing for granted. You taught me that while life isn't perfect, it's worth living. And maybe you don't see your blessings now, but they are there. I will forever be grateful of everything you've ever done and never take you for granted because of how you taught me.

So, as you're reading this, what it all dwindles down to is that I love you so much. So anyone can call me a mama's boy, but it's worth it in the end if I'm your biggest fan. Thank you for everything you've done for me.

Sincerely,

Stretch