Happy {Belated} Mother's Day

Dear Mom,

You were are always there for me, supporting me, and guiding me.  I didn't always know it though.  In early elementary school I was teased because you wouldn't let me watch cartoons on Nickelodeon.  When I was 12, I remember being upset because you wouldn't let me go see that PG-13 movie.  Then I got to high school and a whole new world of injustice arose: how could you be so overprotective that you wouldn't let me drive or ride with my friends or go anywhere without calling you when I leave and when I get there?! 

I'm sure with every battle you said, "One day you'll thank me," or "One day you'll understand," and hoped that it'd turn out to be true.  And today I'm writing to tell you you were right.  I never understood why you said "no" to all those things, even as I watched the ones who used to be my friends get into trouble and drugs and bad relationships.  I didn't really understand until I had a daughter myself. 

I get it now.

I hope and pray that I'll be that kind of mom to her.  The kind of mom who is strong enough to tell her "no" even when she doesn't understand why.  The kind of mom who always always keeps the line of communication open so that no topic is off limits.  The kind of mom who is there for her no matter the time of day (or night). 

As much as I fought you and didn't understand why you had the rules and standards for me that you had, I always wanted to grow up to be you.  I hope now that I've been given that chance, I hope I can be even half the mom you are. 

I am so blessed to be able to call you Mom, and I love you so much.

Love always,
B