The truth is in bold

Dear mom, there’s a thing or two that I haven’t told you. You may be thinking that I lied about my first kiss, or how many Saturdays I spent in the safety of Amy’s bedroom, and in that case, you wouldn’t be wrong, but I’m not writing this to confess any lies. I know you believe you know me from the inside out. You would say you know me better than I know myself.

It’s true.

It may be because when you look at me you feel as though you have traveled back in time and found a mirror. A reflection of yourself; only prettier. Smarter. Wiser. Wittier. I’m everything you are and everything you were never able to become.

I get it all from you.

You have allowed me to tell you every piece of me; every aspect of my soul. I’ve shown you my authenticity because you’ve detected every lie.

Almost...

You believe in my dreams more than I do, and you hold my hand through the nightmares. Everything I do, I do knowing you're in my corner. With you as my coach, there is never any true loss. In the same way a car needs gasoline, a swing needs a push, or the moon’s light need’s the sun’s rays.

You are my driving force.

My inspiration.

My independence feels secure; not because I know what I’m doing, but because you didn’t either. You bravely went out into this world without a clue. Now? You are the smartest person I know. You did it without gas. Without a coach. Without a push. You did it without a you. You did it, so I don’t have to.

There’s something else I haven’t told you...

Something I have seen in your eyes, and have felt from within your embrace. Something I hope my words can change.

I know you wish to be more.

Not just for me, or you, but for everyone you love.

I know you want to wrap up the world, put it on a silver platter lined with golden nuggets, and top it with a one-way ticket to endless success, signed

‘To Spirit

Love, Mom.’

I know under any normal circumstance you would brush me off; act like it doesn’t make your skin crawl that you can’t will exactly what it is I want into existence. I know you only pray in this way because you don’t know all of the good you’ve already done. This may be the moment that you look around in confusion. The moment you question what good I could be talking about.

Close your eyes. Feel the love you have for me. Feel the admiration and appreciation. Feel how strongly you believe in all that I am and all that I will become. Feel the ever-ending friendship that resides within our bond. Open your eyes.

I feel it too.

You have more to offer than you give yourself credit for. The gifts of this life extend further than generational wealth.

I learned that from you.

I learned everything from you.

You passed on your love. You gave me your faith. You studied me. You learned who I am, and you understood me, all before my big girl teeth could come in. You told me I could do anything I put my mind to, and you never gave up on me.

You are the reason I am who I am.

You are the reason I am me.

I notice when I’m walking, talking, dancing, or even smiling; you feel urged to scream from the rooftops how proud of me you are. One last thing I haven’t told you...

I’m Proud of you too.