Growing up, my mother has always been my support system. She’s been someone I can turn to if I needed help with anything. I would describe my relationship with her as strong. We care for each other. I admire my mother because she’s been through so much since she’s been in this country. She still struggles from time to time, but it’s not as bad as it was before when I was growing up.

When I was younger, I was very quiet and shy. I wouldn’t talk to other people. I just kept to myself. People thought there was something wrong with me because I didn’t talk to people. My mom was always there to defend me because she didn’t like anyone talking negatively about me. It was frustrating for her when people told her about how quiet I was. She explained this to so many people, but they never got the memo.

She’s someone who understands me the most. I see how hard she has to work to feed both of us. Being a single mother for the past ten years hasn’t been easy for her. It did take time, but we were able to get through it. I remember the first year it was hard for her because it was a new experience. I was only eleven when my parents decided to separate from each other. But I knew at that time, it was going to be hard for the both of us. I just kept giving her positive feedback anytime she was feeling down.

Most of my friends notice the bond that my mom and I have with each other. One of my friends even said that he could tell that I have such a great relationship with her. This is going to sound sappy, but she’s the only one that’s in my life right now. I have no one else to lean on. Yes, I have relatives who live in the U.S. and out of the country, but if something were to happen to her, I don’t know how I would survive without her.

Recently, she did get a little emotional because I made the dean’s list last semester. She knows how hard I work just to keep my GPA up, and she couldn’t give me anything to celebrate most of the accomplishments I’ve received. I told her I don’t ask for much or anything at all, but she said that’s what makes me a good person. I really don’t ask for much, I do my best so I can make her happy.

For all the hard work that she does, she doesn’t complain. That’s one of the things I admire her for. She doesn’t make much, but she doesn’t complain because she’s able to put a roof under our heads, pay bills, and provide food for both of us.

I always had respect for my mom, but I gained more respect for her when she helped me get through one of the toughest experiences I went through last year. I did mention before in one of my columns that she did help me get through my father’s death last year. To keep it short and simple, she was a shoulder to cry on when I was at my lowest.

We’re complete opposites from each other, but we still care for each other. Another thing that I admire my mom for is that she puts other people’s needs before hers. She wants everyone to feel comfortable and relaxed. She’s very selfless, and I think you can’t find many people like that in this world.

Whenever the holidays or some important event comes around, she always asks me if I need anything. I tell her that I don’t need anything. I feel as if I really don’t need much because I’m already fortunate enough with what I have. I’m comfortable with what I have now. She has done so much for me since I was born, so why would I ask for more?

I just want to tell her thank you. Thank you for being my support system for the past twenty-two years of my life. Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on. Thank you for believing in me and the decisions I make in my life. Thank you for the times you push me to be a better person. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you.