Dear Mom,
As I sit to write this letter, I find myself overwhelmed with emotions and gratitude. You've been a pillar of support and love guiding us through thick and thin. You've walked with us through tough situations with resilience and unfathomable grace. This letter is to express how special you are to me and to us as a family.
From a tender age, you stood by me when I was struggling to walk as a result of a medical error. With enough prayers and outstanding faith, you saw me take my first step at last. Now you do all in your capacity to prevent me from struggling. Your statement; "I've seen you struggle as a child, I can't watch you struggle as an adult" remained stuck with me. When it seems tough out there, you are never ashamed to tell us to come home to refresh, and reenergize. We'd never want to involve you in most of our affairs but we resign to telling you anyway because our secret is safe with you.
I've seen you take sides with my Dad in the public even when he's wrong but you'd correct him in the silence of the night when we are all asleep. The grace and patience with which you stand by our Dad is still a mystery. My Dad is always at boiling point but you have always been the cold water to calm him down 😊
You initiate most of the things we do for our Dad. You're a wonder.
When I started living alone, it was surprising for me when I saw mothers who are neighbors exchange insults or go physical with one another. Why? I never for once saw you do the same. You'd rather remain in your room than exchange words with a neighbor. I've seen some women rage because you never retaliated. Whenever you feel pained by someone's actions or inaction, you would rather pour out your pains in prayer than respond with a harsh statement. I've learned this so well that I dread fighting or exchanging abusive words with anyone.
Mom, your sacrifices, and support both financial and spiritual are not unnoticed. The warmth of your encouragement and the strength of your faith in us energize us to pursue our goals with reckless abandon. Thank you for having so much faith in us.
I often reflect on the many lessons you've taught me. Your resilience, your faith in God, patience and gentleness have shaped me into what I am today. Oftentimes, I want to go off track but when I am reminded of you, I get myself back to order. Offending you is like going against the host of heaven. You've taught me to be strong, consistent, caring, loving and supportive. I'm grateful.
Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude to you.
The elders will say there's no god like the mother, when other gods failed, the mother stood. This is true about you mom.
I appreciate you for all you have done and still doing for us. You mean the world to me and to all of us (your children). I hope to make you proud and give back even a fraction of what you've given us.
With all my love and gratitude,
Deborah.