Dear Mom,
Over the past thirty five years your hair has gone from black to white, but you are more beautiful today than you have ever been and you still look too young too be my mother. I’m being totally honest and not in the least bit biased even though I am your daughter. You are truly beautiful inside and outside.
This week as I flipped through the photos of you, I realized how quickly time has passed. It seems like just yesterday that I took your picture standing in the front yard of our home in Texas. We were both so young. Do you remember posing like a model in front of that big tree? You were determined not to squint even though the sun was shining like crazy that day. Of course, I was squinting like crazy.
Fast forward thirty five years later to your living room in Virginia. I had been taking pictures for your online store for four days and had finally finished. You had complained the whole time about the heat from the light as you adjusted and held it. When we were all done, I asked you to get into the light box under the hot lights because I wanted to take your picture. You didn’t want to do it at all and started complaining. Eventually you gave in and got into the pearl and lace draped light box because you knew that I wasn’t going to shut up until I had the chance to photograph you.
When you finally got into the light box, we both got the giggles. What you don’t know is that I snapped pictures of you the whole time we were laughing. I have photos of you in the funniest poses while you were laughing and giggling in the light box. We laughed so hard that day that our sides hurt and we could hardly breathe. Actually, we both laughed until we cried. Believe it or not, that day ranks up there with one of my fondest memories of us together. You’ll never know how thankful I was that day for all you have done for me. You were so beautiful as I looked at your through the lens of my camera.
I know you have always tried hard to be a good mother and grandmother because you love us all very much. Because of all your hard work and sacrifices, I was given a solid foundation of love, good moral values, my knowledge of God and many wonderful memories. I know it wasn’t always easy for you and at times, it was really hard, but you haven’t ever given up. You fought against your insecurities, fears and lack of understanding. I’m very proud of you. I think you have been a wonderful mother and grandmother.
For the past couple years, I know that you’ve missed the old me and have prayed continually that I would pull through this horrible mess. I know you have felt helpless. I appreciate your prayers and love more than I have the talent or words to express it.
Mom, I love you. I’m sorry that neither of our lives have turned out the way we dreamed they would, but you know what? We both may have wounded, tattered and scarred hearts, but we have learned so much. Not only has it molded us into better people, but we are not bitter and we truly love each other. I think we can be proud of those accomplishments.
Thank you so much for giving me life, raising me with love, teaching me with patience, wanting me always and loving me.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Loving you always,
Sherry
