she is.

i tried a few times to write the perfect message to you about my mom. i realized that it's not really possible to tell you everything i feel about her.

my mom (left) & her friend, esther, new orleans, 1978

she had me when she was really young, my three siblings following shortly after. she gave up so many of her own dreams to raise her young family, all the while growing up herself. for a really long time, i never truly understood the sacrifices she made for us but seeing them now, i will always be thankful. she is strong and beautiful and has the best laugh in the world. it's an all encompassing laugh - the kind that makes you turn your head from the other side of the room. her love is like no other love i'd ever known until i had my own daughter. there are things we don't agree on, of course...and we've certainly been through lots of things in our relationship over the years...but i am proud to say that she is one of my very best friends today. i talk to her almost every single day and there is absolutely nothing in the world i wouldn't share with her.

i love you mom. thank you for giving me everything i needed to be the mom i am today.