Mama and me, circa 2008

Dear Mama,

I somehow managed to send you a package for Mother's Day without including a card from myself. Silly, I know, that a stationery designer didn't send her own Mama a mother's day card, but I hope you'll forgive me. Micah drew you a picture. I hope you liked it.

She's a mess these days, Mama, and being Micah's Mommy helps me appreciate all the things you've done for me over the years. How frustrated you must have been with me when I threw all of those terrible tantrums! And even though you left me in the grocery store that one time, you came back to get me. Thanks for that.

Seriously, Mom, I'm more grateful for you now than I ever was then. Being a mom changes things. It really does. Thank you for making sure we were always taken care of. For taking me to the library and teaching me to love reading. For hauling me around to 5,000 different ballgames and practices. For staying up all hours of the night painting for craft shows that funded our Christmas presents. For putting us before yourself. For hand-smocking me dresses and rolling my hair on those pink spongy rollers. For taking me to church and introducing me to the Lord. For creating a home that was always safe and secure and smelled like chocolate chip cookies. For always believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. And mostly, mom, for loving me. Always for loving me.

You are quite a special lady, and I love you more than you could ever imagine. Know that you're appreciated and loved, and all of those things you did for us didn't go unnoticed. I promise. So Happy Mother's Day, Mama! I wish I could celebrate it with you in person, but I'm definitely celebrating you in my heart.

Guess what, Mama? Only you know.