A Letter of Appreciation to the One Person Who Has Been There Since Day One, My Mother

If there's one person I’ll always be grateful for in this life, it’s my mother. She has been my strength, my comforter, my biggest supporter, and the only constant person who has always stood by me from the very beginning. This letter is just my little way of saying thank you for everything she has done, not just for me, but for all of us.

I was born after my dad passed away in the year 2001. So I never met him, and I never had that father figure growing up. But my mother filled that space in a way I still don’t fully understand. She raised five of us all by herself. Imagine that, a young widow with five children, no husband, no steady help, but somehow, she stood tall and raised us with so much love, patience, and sacrifice.

Being the last born, I’ve always known her differently than my older siblings. I saw her as both my mother and my father. She gave me everything she could, even when she didn’t have much. Sometimes, I look back and wonder how she survived those tough days. We didn’t have it all, but somehow she made sure we had what we needed the most. She made sure we never felt the absence of a father too deeply.

My mother never remarried. People asked, people suggested, people talked, but she stood her ground. Her focus was on us. She gave up her personal desires just to see that all five of us went to school. That alone is a miracle. I’ve seen families break apart after losing a father, but Mama held us together. She made sure we never felt left out. I remember her staying up late to sew or sell things, just to make ends meet.

Growing up, I didn’t fully understand all the sacrifices she made. I used to think she was just being strict or too protective. But now that I’m in the university, I see things differently.

There were times she had to choose between her own needs and ours, and she always picked us. Even when she was tired, even when she was sick, even when she was sad, she still made sure we were okay. She is not just a mother, she is a superwoman.

Mama, if you ever get to read this, I want you to know that I see everything now. I may not have the right words, and this letter may not be enough, but I hope it shows a little of what I carry in my heart. You deserve all the love in the world.

Thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for being strong when you had every reason to break down. Thank you for being the reason I believe in love, in strength, and in family.

I love you so much, Mama. Everything I am becoming is because of you.

Photo is mine

Your daughter, always.