U Have Always Been Everything to Me

 You have always been my teacher—

     helping me to learn about life,

     pointing me to the right direction,

     letting me make my own mistakes

     and then helping me pick up the pieces afterwards.

You have been my friend—

     listening to me when I needed to talk,

     making me talk when I didn’t know I needed to,

     supporting me when I was down,

     and helping me to see that things weren’t all that bad.

You have been my role model—

     leading me by your example.

Most of all, you have been my mother—

     loving me unconditionally no matter what I did or said,

     letting me know that I was not alone and never would be,

     for I would always have a home.

I can never thank you enough for all that you have taught me,

     given to me, and done for me.

I can never repay you.

All I can do is tell you that I love you with all my heart,

     that I’m grateful for you, and that I cherish you

     and the closeness we share.

I feel incredibly lucky to have been gifted with a mother like you.

I love you.

---> Deborah A. Brideau, I love You, Mom