Yo mom,

It's been nearly 23 years since you became a mom, and I can't speak for all of those, but I can say that you've rocked at it for at least 20 years and 3 months. Honestly though, you've probably always been the best.

Now that I've spent more than a year caring for kids, I think I've learned a thing or two about being a mom (as much as a childcare provider and teacher can). One of the most difficult lessons was saying goodbye. I vividly remember the first time a child left our center. I called you, on the verge of tears, on my walk after work to tell you. You said, "Now you know how I feel." I could hear a little smile but I know there had to be a few tears as well. Many other times--leaving for winter break and summer--I had to say difficult goodbyes. Each time I felt a little more thankful for the times you smiled and said goodbye.

Another thing I've learned is the importance of communication. With children under the age of five, there is not much I can do for them without them telling or showing me what they want. Now that I know that, I know that there wasn't much you could do for me all the times you asked, "What's wrong?" and I responded with a sassy, "Nothing," while walking away. I'll always be thankful for the kids teaching me that because our open communication now only makes me love you more.

Alas, as my mom, you're more than my biggest supporter, even when it hurts you, and my always-and-forever confidant and friend. You've never been "the cool mom" (THANK YOU), but you have your moments and I want to thank you for those:

Thank you for learning the words to my favorite raps and battling with me with the windows rolled down and the volume turned up.

Thank you for letting me dye my hair purple--more times than I remember.

Thank you for accepting the tattoos I have--and the ones to come.

Thank you for reading my writing and letting me learn from yours.

Thank you for accepting who I am, even when I don't fully know.

Thank you for letting me live and leave and learn at my own pace and in my own ways, even when they aren't yours.

Thank you for being more than just my mom, but also 99% of my parenting, a great friend, an "enemy" when I needed one, a supporter of my good decisions, a questioner of my spontaneity, and a listener of my "okay I hope you are sitting down.." stories. Keep doing what you're doing. You're doing a great job.

With more love than you know,

Lace