The holiday season is always stressful for college students. While others are getting into the holiday spirit, we are hitting the library to write papers and study for our exams. This year, while struggling to write my senior thesis, I’ve been thinking about what I’m currently thankful for (hint: it definitely isn’t my thesis!). There’s one person in particular I feel I need to thank: my mother. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have such an incredible mother. My mom has been the anchor that holds me down in the roughest waters. As I’ve been stressing over senior year, she is always there to encourage me to keep pushing through it. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the constant love and support from my mom, and after an emotionally challenging year, I want to say “thank you.”
Here are 13 things I’m telling my mom this Thanksgiving:
1. Thank you for putting up with a lifetime of mood swings.
Because you and I both know how often those come along.
2. Thank you for teaching me the importance of family.
At the end of the day, we’re the only ones we can rely on.
3. Thank you for working two jobs to support your family.
Even when you are feeling like a zombie, you always manage to push through it for us.
4. Thank you for teaching me to be respectful of others.
…even when I didn’t understand why I needed to.
5. Thank you for being selfless.
You always put everyone else’s needs above yours.
6. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for myself.
At work, with friends, or in relationships—this was something I’ve always struggled with.
7. Thank you for all the years of helping me with my homework.
Especially for all those nights you stayed up doing my projects so I would get a good grade.
8. Thank you for teaching me how to be patient.
Because sometimes, it feels impossible.
9. Thank you for being the best friend I’ve ever had.
No matter what, you are always there for me and nothing could ever surpass that.
10. Thank you for teaching me how to love, even during the times you may have not felt it yourself.
No matter what was happening in your personal relationships, you always encouraged me to love with my whole heart.
11. Thank you for teaching me how to get through heartbreak.
No matter what heartbreaking obstacles life throws your way, you always get through them with grace.
12. Thank you for always saying “I love you.”
Because some people don’t understand how important this is.
13. Thank you for preparing me how to be the best mother to my future children.
Though motherhood is certainly overwhelming, you make me excited to start my own family and give my children the amount of love you’ve given me throughout my life. If I’m half the mother you are, that would be my greatest accomplishment.