For many reasons I have stopped to think about how much my mother has done for me, and I have cried. This woman has taken care of me and protected me for years while sacrificing everything for me. Taking care of me never was easy or fun, but she did it with a smile and never left my side. So to her, I write this.

Dear Mother,

Finding out you were pregnant with me was not easy by any means, but you kept your head up and loved me anyway, even though everyone wanted you to abort me. You loved me without even knowing me. You let me grow and develop learning the sound of your voice. You almost lost me, and I almost lost you thanks to that drunk driver. I destroyed your body as I grew, permanent reminders of the nine months you were my home. Even before I was born, you put me first.

Once again, I almost lost you because of the horrible car crash. My oxygen plummeted, and you almost lost me during birth, but the worst had yet to come. I almost lost you because you nearly bled out. The doctors fixed you, but even before you held me, you fought for me. You declined drugs to help with the pain because you wanted to feed me naturally. I should have known you were stubborn and a fighter. As I grew, you nearly lost me many times due to my inability to breathe, but even in that state, I learned from you, Mom. I fought, and I was stubborn, but there was never a dull moment, right?

Growing more and more every day, learning from you, being the one I always looked up to. Do not think at that young age I did not see all the sacrifices you made and the pain you endured. I knew. Through everything, you pushed and went back to college. Way to go, Mom! It was amazing to watch but yet also painful. A mother working full time and taking on a nearly full-time course load while being a single mother and not faltering ever. For this, I am amazed because you knew someday you would need to support me and wanted to give me the best life you could.

Years pass, and now I am struggling. You got a call from my school, a call no parent wants to get. You were there holding me and loving me; the tears you had made me feel guilty. This woman sacrificed everything for me, and I was being selfish because I was not as strong as you. More years pass and my mental condition was touch and go, and with every step, you were there. Everyone doubted me, but you helped me win the fight.

So here I am today, Mom, thanking you for everything you did for me. I love you, Mom; I would never be the woman I am today if it were not for you. You did everything for me even before you knew me. You protected me, loved me, cared for me and were there for me through everything. You gave up so much for me, so thank you, Mom. If I could become a fraction of the woman you are, I would be grateful.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter