I don’t know where to begin or how to start, so I’ll begin with what is the wake up call for us both: coffee.
Thank you for allowing me a sip of that Starbucks tan mocha when I was four years old and clamoring for more. Since then, I’ve become as big a fan as you and it bonded us in ways I could never imagine. When I decided to stay and help you open 602, I never thought the train ride would be as impactful as it’s been, and though it was hard for us both when I left, know that it was you who inspired me to go and chase my own dreams, as you were doing.
Dear Mom, thank you for always being a phone call away. You are my best friend and the one I always call when I’m walking to work or needing to chat, and I always look forward to those good morning texts from you, followed by “coffeetime!”
Dear Mom, thank you for always being wise and understanding. I overthink a lot and whenever I need advice, cheering up, or assurance that spending $300 on vintage clothing was a mature choice, I call you. Moms know best, and you’ve never let me down!
Dear Mom, thank you for your generosity and selflessness. You’re the type of person who offers your food when someone else is still hungry at the table, and your care packages are always filled with the types of things that cheer me up.
Dear Mom, thank you for birthing me! I know I was a big baby, but more than that, you raised me. And I look at all your wonderful qualities and smile because I know that when I grow up, I will be just like you (and Dad too, but your day is coming!). If I can be half as generous, kind, creative, strong, brave, and splendid as you, my life will have been well worth it.
Dear Mom, thank you for all of your love and support. I sit here in my new apartment and I look around and thank you for helping me get to where I am. I couldn’t have done this move without you and I just want you to know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
One Mother’s Day doesn’t do justice to how much love and admiration I feel for you and all you’ve done, but it does do something and I want you to know that you’ve paved the way for other strong women to follow suit in your creative, pasta filled, kind footsteps.
Though I am in sunny California on this day, saddened that I had to stand in line at Safeway and witness the flowers purchased for mothers that other lucky folks got to spend their day with, I knew that you were here in spirit.
And just a phone call away.
I love you Mom.
XxElan
