Hi Mom: An Open Letter

Hi Mom,

I don’t know how I would start this message but there’s only one thing in my mind right now and that is how grateful I am to have you.

I’m grateful for the time you did spend with me, those times you wasted with me were the times you sacrificed your time for your job.

I’m grateful for the times you’ve raised your voice when I did something wrong, those times were the times I knew I had a mother who cared for me.

I’m grateful for the times you’ve lied to us, those were the times you didn’t want us to get hurt by knowing the truth.

I’m grateful for the times you’ve judged my actions and choices, those were the times when I was unsure of my decisions and didn’t know I needed help. 

I’m grateful for the times you’ve had high expectations, those were the times I knew I should push myself further to know my capabilities.

I’m grateful for the times when I felt a distance between us, those were the times I knew you respected the decisions I made because you didn’t have to know everything I did.

I’m grateful for all the misunderstandings we’ve had, it made me realize I still have a mom that knows better.

I’m grateful for the times you couldn’t decide what to eat, those were the times you would order more food so you could give it to other people.

I’m grateful for the hurtful words you’ve said to me, it made me realize there are more people who will say meaner things in the world.

I’m grateful for the times you didn’t talk to me at night when I needed a mother to talk to because you were watching soap operas, and I’ve realized that that one hour of TV was your only leisure time.

I’m grateful for the times when you knocked on my door at 2 AM to sleep on my bed, those were the times you needed comfort when you fought with Dad, even if it was sleeping beside me, acting as if nothing happened.

I’m grateful for the times when you made an angry face whenever I wake you up at 5 am in the morning to ask for my allowance, if I didn’t see that face I wouldn’t be able to buy my favorite snacks for recess.

I’m grateful for the times you forget to call me and ask how I’m doing in Japan, it makes me miss you even more.

I’m grateful for the silent times we have when we’re video chatting, it makes me appreciate every second I have with you.

I’m grateful for the wrinkles you have on your forehead, it makes me regret all the times I wasn’t grateful for everything you did to me.

P.S.: Mom, those anti-wrinkling creams won’t get rid of those wrinkles you extremely hate but you’re still the same Mom I love, with all the wrinkles and lines.

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