Dear Mother,

It has been a little over eight years since I have last seen you. I was in sixth grade, and I still thought boys had cooties. Now I am a sophomore in college, engaged, and oh - I am over 700 miles away from home. I know that you’re thinking ‘What the hell was Joe thinking, letting my baby girl leave home not even two months after turning 18?!’

Well Mom, while these past eight years have been some of the most difficult of my life, it has shaped me into the person that I am today. The experiences, while painful, are the driving force in my career goal, which is to help children who are in similar situations.

Not a single day goes by that I do not think of you, and I find myself wishing that I had helped you out in the kitchen, so maybe I could have learned some of the recipes that tasted like a professional chef made them.

There were times when I wish that I could talk to you directly; when I was having boy issues, needed advice about going to college, and even the decision on whether or not I should buy those black platform shoes to go with my red dress.

Dad did a good job raising me after your passing. I mean, I didn’t learn how to cook gourmet meals, and I couldn’t go to him about the mean girl cliques and it was hard to take him shopping, considering he has the exact same wardrobe from when you first met him. Despite all that, I think I turned out pretty well.

When it was time for me to start dating, I would always have this question in mind “Would Mother approve of this boy?” It took 18 years, but I found the one. He is sweet, kind and loving. He treats me right, he is helpful and most importantly, you would approve of him. I really wish you could have had the chance to meet him.

While your passing has been difficult, I still feel like you are right on my side, helping me out with life. Whenever I’m cooking, I can almost hear your voice telling me the next step, whether or not I need to add an extra spice, and helping me plate the dish.

I have vivid memories of you and I decorating the Christmas tree, with Lite Rock 99.3 FM playing, and the both of us dancing like we have two left feet. I remember staying at home and you helping me try new hairstyles since my hair was past my knees (spoiler alert, my hair is a lot shorter now). These are the kinds of memories that I want to have with my future children and grandchildren.

Mom, I miss you every single day, and I cherish every memory I have with you. You are the best mom anyone could have asked for, and if I turn out to be half the mom you are, I will be more than happy.

I miss you.