Nicole Smith

Mom,

I wanted to say Happy Birthday and I love you. And there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t thank whatever higher power is out there for allowing you to be born because without you there would be no me. And there would be no Mikala and Blake. And what kind of life would that be? Those two little people make  this world brighter.

I also want you to know that all I’ve accomplished in life thus far is because of you…and dad, but he’ll get his own special message on his birthday.

You brought me into this world 29 years ago and showered me with love. You both raised me to be the best person possible. You taught me right from wrong. You taught me how to stand on my own two feet. You loved me and believed in me when I didn’t always deserve it. You saw my potential for greatness long before I ever did. And you showed me the only one standing in the way of my dreams is me and my fear. You’ve shown me what hardwork and dedication can accomplish.

And for all of that, I thank you.

I could not have asked for a better mother and role model growing up, of that I am certain.

I hope the coming year brings a reprieve from all of the back problems you’ve been dealing with. I pray everyday that they get straigtened out so you can go back to the life you were living before because it breaks my heart to see you go through this. But at the same time, I know how incredibly lucky I am to have you because you are showing me just how strong a person can be when they have to. Your strength and resilience awes me, and I just hope that I can live up to the example you’ve set for me.

I love you, mom, and I hope you have a great birthday.

Love always,

Your infuriating mooch of a daughter.