Dear Mama,

I love you so much. You are the best mom in the whole world. You are so amazing. You’re so strong, so wise, so courageous, and an example to all of us of what a woman of God looks like. Especially to me.

You’ve been taking care of me ever since I was born. Not just practically, but also guiding me, advising me, teaching me, and nurturing my heart. The Bible says to train children up in the way they should go, and you have done that (and still are). Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. I don’t know where I’d be without the huge impact you’ve made on me and in my life.

Almost three years ago taking care of me took a different spin. As you’ve said yourself, it’s become a full-time job. Nonstop. 24/7. I’m not very easy to parent. So many things are constantly shifting and changing, and we’re both following a path without knowing where it leads or what gear we need to walk it. But thank you for walking down it with me. Every single step you’ve taken with me.

You took me to the emergency room. You spent hours rubbing me down in essential oils for joint pain. You drove me up and down Whidbey Island to the doctor (with a stop at a thrift store or two along the way). You bathed me and fed me and dressed me when I couldn’t. You’ve stayed home when you’d rather have gone. You’ve god when you’d rather have stayed. You’ve faced fear and unknowns and difficult things again and again and again. You’ve spent the last year spending day after day at the doctor with me, writing things down (ugh, the paperwork!) and helping me remember. You have spent hours on the phone with insurance. You’ve spent probably many days hunched over, counting and sorting supplements. You’ve brought me oils and supplements as I lay on the bathroom floor. You held my hand as I lay on the table at the doctor’s office, crying, scared, and confused. You’ve challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. And so much more, probably that I don’t even know about. Being the caregiver is no easy job. You don’t have much of a break either, and your needs sometimes get overlooked. It’s not easy to watch someone you love hurt. Sometimes, I think that it must be harder for you than it is for me.

So thank you. Thank you for all you’ve done. I could never comprehend it or repay you. I don’t know if I could have done all that you have done or faced… especially with such strength and grace. You are truly amazing, Mama.

We’ve had our misunderstandings throughout this season. But you will always be one of my best friends. You are there for me in a way no one else ever could be. I love you so much. More than I can say.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama.

Love,

Sara

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. -Proverbs 31:25-31 (NIV)