Dear Mom,

There are so many things I want to thank you for. The list is endless, full of things only you and I would understand, and sappy. While I wish I could show you the entire list, here are just a few of the hundreds of things I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for.

Thank you for teaching me:

1. To love unconditionally.

Thank you for teaching me to love people who looked, acted, and spoke differently than me. You taught me that if I loved someone, I should love them for who they are without any restrictions.

2. To be brave.

Thank you for teaching me that it is better to be brave than to be a coward. Thank you for never letting me back out of anything and for forcing me to do things outside of my comfort zone.

3. To Texas Two Step.

Thank you for taking the time to show both Parker and I how to properly two step to George Strait's "All My Ex's Live In Texas" when we were children. Thank you for teaching us the four beat, quick-quick-slow-slow, dance that you told us "everyone needs to learn, so y'all pay attention."

4. To speak up.

Thank you for telling me that if I see something that I know isn't right that I need to speak up and say something. If there is one thing everyone who knows me is 100% sure of, it's that I am not afraid to speak my mind. You guys can thank my Mom for that.

5. To be kind.

Thank you for teaching me right from wrong and for ensuring that I grew up to be a kind-hearted person. You taught me the importance of kind words, kind actions, and surrounding myself with kind people. All of these lessons have made me into who I am today.

6. To have manners.

Thank you for teaching me that it is not ok to put my elbows on the dinner table, to call adults "ma'am" and "sir", and for the occasional spanking when I was younger and being disrespectful. You taught me that it is impolite to sit with my legs uncrossed, to remain seated when someone elderly needs a seat, and to continuously argue.

7. To forgive.

Thank you for teaching me that it is ok to forgive people even when they have done the unthinkable. If there is one lesson that I know you are the most experienced in, it is this one. You forgive people that have done you wrong, and although you don't forget, you don't hold grudges. I'm so thankful that you have taught me to do the same.

8. To accept flaws.

Thank you for teaching me to accept not just my own flaws, but the flaws of others. You taught me to embrace my insecurities and know that I was made the way I was made. I truly believe that all of the talks in
middle school truly helped me to become the confident woman I am today.

9. About Jesus.

Thank you for teaching me about my faith and for instilling it in me at a young age. Thank you for taking me to Sunday school as a child, for reading me "Bible Stories for Kids" before going to bed, and for teaching me how to fold my hands to pray.

10. My boots go with every outfit, no matter the occasion.

Thank you for teaching me that my cowboy boots go with cut-off shorts, summer dresses, wedding dresses, boot-cut jeans, fitted jeans, hoodies, or button downs. It doesn't matter the season, event, or time of day, boots go with everything.

You taught me these most of lessons when I was too young to truly remember, but they are qualities that I know I will never forget. Thank you for teaching me things that only a Mother could teach me and I look forward to everything else that I will learn in time.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Love,
Madison.