Thank you X5

Mom (also known as Mamba),

Thank you for always holding at least 3 jobs so that I never went without. You probably thought you were just providing for me financially, but you also taught me an amazing work ethic that will bless me for my entire life.

Thank you for caring for special needs individuals in our home for as long as I can remember. For you it was a job, for me it was a learning experience. I learned to see past differences and accept all kinds of people. 

Thank you for learning to forgive my dad and working hard to have a civil relationship with him—even after he broke your heart. And thank you for not pressuring me to hate him. It wasn’t (and still isn’t) easy for you, but it was the kindling that started my journey of forgiving him. Because of your example, I am able to have a relationship with my dad that I value, rather than one that causes me grief.  

Thank you for exposing me to the church even though you yourself did not want to be apart of it. I used to focus on your lack of activity in the church, however, now I’m just grateful that you encouraged me to be a part of it. You had me blessed and baptized. You always suggested that I go to church but never forced it upon me. And you’ve never tried to talk me out of being a part of it. I want to work on being as supportive of your beliefs as you are of mine.     

Lastly, I just want to say thank you for being patient with me. I know our relationship has been a source of pain for the last several years, but even after all the harsh words I’ve thrown at you and all the guilt trips I’ve given you tickets to, you’ve never deserted me. I’ve enjoyed the growth our relationship has undergone this past year and I cant wait to see it flourish even more. You are the definition of an amazing mother. 

I love you mostess, hostess, twinkies and cupcakes