It’s Mothers Day and this year I wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary. I called my dad a few days ago and asked him to send me a few photos of my mom and our family over the years. Of course, I have plenty of other photos of her from my adult life, but it was important to me that I use the ones from growing up. The ones dad picked out. The ones that show how life was through someone else’s eyes. Of course I threw some of their favorites of me in there too… *wink wink*. 

Mom- 
Thank you for always being a constant place of unconditional love. I know that life has not always dealt you the easiest cards. I know that you suffered loss way too early. I know that you have often felt neglected and rejected. I know that I was not the easy child. I know that I pushed boundaries and tested limits. I let my own pain and disappointments in life come out most when I was around you. 

You have successfully raised two children. I say successfully because we managed to grow up out of our wild and ridiculous years without killing each other. We both have our own families now. We both have careers we love. Most importantly, we both have parents who showed us what love looks like. Parents who still love each other. Parents who navigated through dark storms and made it out together. 

You have been a champion for Christ. You have always encouraged me to be the best version of myself. You have traveled the world.  Accepted my call to Missions unsure of what that would look like for me and visited me in the wilds of the Amazon River. You and dad stood by my side as I researched more about my adoption. You celebrated for me when I learned who my biological family was. Even when that meant I would also know who my biological mother was. 

You are my sounding board for parenting, cooking, cleaning, ‘adulting’. You have gone from being my Mom to being my enemy some days in high school to being my best friend in my adult life. 

All in all- the best thing I know to say to you is this: 

“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living
my Mommy you’ll be.”