My Mother's Strength Made Me the Woman I Am Today

When I lost my dad as a teenager, I had strayed so far from myself without even realising it. I constantly wondered why this had to happen to me — to my family. And as I watched other people grow up with both of their parents, it made my heart ache. While I have endured my fair share of hardships growing into my young adult life without a dad, I ultimately found peace and strength in a source that had been there all along.

I have the absolute best mom. She is a force, and I would not be the woman I am today without her.

Especially as I've gotten older, I have begun to recognise the subliminal messages she continually taught me by leading her life by example. From having taken on a new life that was forced onto her with the utmost grace and strength, my mom has taught me resilience by being the mother and father my siblings and I needed. There is so much power in being able to find new life in the absence of your old one.

My mom is never quick to judge, but always quick to tell it like it is. In her case, this was especially true when you don't want to hear it, but when you really need to. She has taught me that all things in life should be founded in truth: not only when it comes to others, but when looking inward as well, no matter how hard that may be sometimes.

My mom has taught me that patience and faith is fundamental in your pursuit of life. Carrying hope so very close to her heart, she is constantly reminding me that no matter how bleak things may feel, they aren't always what they seem; all things in life come with a deep breath (or in our case, breathing in C-A-L-M and breathing out M-L-A-C) and the passage of time. The most important part of having faith is being able to trust, and to love, and to know that when you need her — and others, as you eventually will — they will be there.

Finally, she has taught me that unconditional love is a rarity. Loving someone means following them through the darkness and never giving up, but it also means loving yourself enough to know when it is time to walk away, no matter how hard that decision may be.

She has always been so much more than just a mom — she has been a teacher, a therapist, a shoulder to cry on, an ally, and even my worst enemy at times (Mom, I love you I am so sorry for the terrible teens and my often-hot temper!). But mostly, my mom is the most important role model and hero anyone could have. Through all things she will have my back, offering sage advice and a sassy side comment on just about anything!

So yeah . . . maybe I am a little biased when saying my mom is the best mom, but I'm definitely not wrong (because I'm sure your moms are the best moms too)!