Dear Mom,
I love the way you hold me dear in your heart. I know this as true because there was a day in high school when a teacher was very unkind to me and her words hurt you more than they hurt me. This particular incident happened over ten years ago and right at the beginning of this year you reminded me of that incident and I could see you flinch with pain the same way you did the day I related the story to you. You reminded me that my feelings are legitimate and valid. It's moments like that, I knew your love for me goes deep. When I see your love I know I'm special, and I am your child.
I hold dear in my heart memories of sitting in your bed, sharing stories and laughing with you about everything. I think hanging out with you is the reason quality time is one of my primary love languages. Coming home to tell you my stories and knowing that I will have your undivided attention is another way I've experienced your love. Thank your for your fascination with my stories and the attention you pay to even the unimportant detail.
I'm inspired by your ability to give freely and share so easily. The way you've loved and embraced my friends has taught me there's always space for one more in your heart. I love my friends because they're my friends, but I truly see Tshepiso and Refilwe as my sisters because of the way you've embraced and loved them. Your heart is open, and I pray I would love like you have and love like you do.
Your ability to laugh at yourself has taught me that it's ok to laugh at myself, and that a sense of humour is a beauty secret.
Thank you for having chosen and continuing to choose Jesus. Thank you for having chosen dad, for loving and supporting him the way you do. I know I am who am I today because of those two great decision.
I know I have big shoes to fill. It would be easy to settle for mediocrity in my career, in my prayer life, in how I love others, in the way I do the rest of my life but the legacy you've left for us as your children will never allow me to settle for that. Thank you ma. I couldn't have asked for a better mother. Thank you for being all of you and in so doing giving me the confidence to be all of me.
I celebrate you ma, today and always!
