For My Mom

Mother's day is tomorrow, so of course I'm reflecting a bit on the past year and how our relationship has changed. I've grown up a lot, and we've both had so many changes (what, with both of us being engaged and planning weddings). We've been through some tough times together this past year, with everything happening in Drew's life, we've clung to one another for support. My mom has always been my backbone. Even the times when she irritates me (and I, her) and when we seem too busy for one another, I know I would not be the woman I've become without her. She has taught me what it means to truly look ahead - learning from past mistakes, and never looking back. What it truly means to love and care for those around you - endlessly giving, expecting nothing in return. What it means to support your family and friends, even when it seems as if they've screwed up one too many times. What it means to love your enemies, sincerely complimenting people and listening to them, even though they make your skin crawl. What it means to be beautiful - inside and out, because when the outer beauty fades, the inner beauty is all you'll have. What it means to let NO ONE stand in the way of your dreams, pursuing them despite everyone's opinions. What it means to form my own opinions and beliefs, and not be timid to share them. What it means to not be afraid of my emotions, and always trust my gut.  My mother isn't perfect, and I'm so thankful for that. She is incredibly intelligent, beautiful, caring, loving, wise, talented, fun, and so many other things. She has raised me to be a strong and independent woman. She's talked me through hard times and danced with me in the kitchen. She taught me to let go and just have fun, even when nothing seems to be going right. She has supported every decision I've made, whether she agreed or not - letting me make my own mistakes. She has taught me to love without holding back. She loves me exactly as I am, never pressuring me to be better or do more, but always encouraging me to do my best. I hope that someday I'm half the mom she is. I hope she always knows how much I love & appreciate her.