To My Mom’s Food:

I used to take you for granted. Once upon a time, I used to complain, play favorites, or whine about how sick of you I was. I used to ask why we didn’t order pizza or takeout Chinese more often. Looking back, I truly am sorry about the way I treated you. I was stupid and naïve and didn’t know better. You didn’t deserve that. I’ve learned from the past and how lucky I am to have you. Thankfully, we have come a long way since then. I have realized how awful I used to be to you and I know there is no excuse for it, but I can't change the past. All I can do now is show you my appreciation.

When I went away to college was when I realized how much I truly do love you. It took a few weeks of growing resentment towards that phony dining hall food that was processed, repetitive, and was made with no love whatsoever for me to gain endless appreciation for you. I really am sorry about our rocky past, and I’m glad we’ve moved forward from it ever since I came to my senses.

When I first moved into a house at the beginning of this semester, silly me tried to do my best to reproduce you as best as possible, but obviously failed every single time. You are unique. You are who you are because of where you come from and you cannot be duplicated. You are you, no one else can try to get anywhere close to you, and it’s the unfortunate fact of life that I have learned to accept.

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that 99% of the reason I come home is to be with you. It’s hard going weeks or months without you, but the time we spend apart just makes me relish you even more once we’re finally together again. I know I can always count on you to always be there for me to come home to, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Between the two of us, I think the reunion I look forward to most when I come home is the one with you. I find myself loving college more and more each day, but can’t ignore the missing piece of it that is you. It’s the painful bit of information I try to repress, but deep down it’s on my mind. I feel complete once we’re together again.

You’re beautiful inside and out, and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. You are a perfect 10 in every single way possible. You never fail to put a smile on the faces of those who have had the pleasure of getting to know you. I don’t even want to know who I would be without you in my life. You make me a better person. You give me excitement. You give me hope. You give me happiness and something to look forward to. You are special, and don’t you ever forget it. I’m already counting down until our Thanksgiving weekend reunion—it’s going to be a great time. ;)

Love,

Your Open Admirer