Mom, writing you this letter would never amount to being enough when it comes to my love for you. You have been there for me since day one. It’s just been you and me mommy since I was a baby girl on your hip and it’s been me and you ever since. You have been there for me even during the times I was not there for myself.
My journey has been a difficult one and there were times I left your side because of some not so smart decisions, but you never left mine. You loved me enough to let me go; to let me go experience life whether good or bad. Yet, you loved me enough to welcome me back with open arms. For that alone, I thank you and I love you.
I may not remember a lot of things due to traumas I overcame, but what I do remember is you being present even when I tried to cover things up and hide from you. I thank you and I love you for that mom.
My younger years are a little hazy but the little that I do remember are unfortunate things that I choose to forget or at least wish that I could. I do remember the fun times over the summer each year when you allowed me to spend them in Chatham, Louisiana at Maw-Maw Valine’s house. Every summer I would look forward to it because I would be the only grandchild who would go and stay with her. I would love on her and she would love on me and spoil me with everything I may have wanted. If she didn’t get it, she would make sure you knew to get it. Oh, how I miss her so. I miss the good cooking, lying in bed talking and laughing until one of us fell asleep first. We would have the windows open and the attic fan on, looking out wondering if people outside could hear us. Let me not forget the time I let the street lights come on but I chose to continue to ride my bike. Bad decision! Bad because she was waiting on me behind the front door with a switch. Mom, just know that I was calling on you to come get me. I was ready to come home after that sneak attack with not one but two switches wound together. You can best believe that was the last time. I also remember the times when I attended events and traveled with you and the ladies of your Women’s Southside Club. I got to bring one friend so that I would have my own company to have fun with. Thank you for those memorable times mommy. I love you for that.
Mom, I remember the disappointment on your face the summer before my senior year of high school when you found out I was expecting a child. I felt so bad for having to come and share that news with you. My senior year in high school and I was becoming a mother. As disappointed as you may have been, you stepped up, told me to keep my head up and let’s finish the year strong. Focus on graduating because we will be just fine. That was a tough year, but the final stretch was a month and a half away. My son was born in April and I attended prom and graduated in May. Mom, do you remember going Prom dress shopping? For that one night, you purchased six or seven dresses just so I could have plenty of choices the night of the prom. Whatever happened to all of those dresses? At any rate, nothing stopped you from making sure that your one and only child had the best. For that alone Mother, I thank you and I love you.
Mom you are the backbone of my family and you have always helped us keep it together. There was never a want for anything for me or my children, which remains a fact to this very day. My children and I mean the world to you and you mean everything to us and then some. Through my divorce and failed relationships, you were right there to hold my hand. You go above and beyond when it comes to me and my family (our family). How can I not love you for that? And we thank you for all that you do. That is one of the reasons we look forward to our Saturday family time with you. We celebrate you often and will continue to do so until we no longer can. Mommy you know we love you!!
This letter is to you, my Diva Mom, my angel, my good-good girlfriend, my confidant, my shopping buddy, my twin, my right hand, my main chick, my sunshine, my cheerleader and biggest supporter, my best friend, and most importantly-MY MOTHER. I give you your flowers now while I am blessed to still have you here with me because I would not be here had it not been for you. You have been and are my voice of reason. I thank you for continuing to hold my hand and look me in my eyes, hug me and tell me that you love me! For this, I am forever grateful and I LOVE YOU!
From your only child, Shunda.
