To the Woman Who’s Always Been My Rock: Happy Birthday, Mom

December 12th is a day I hold close to my heart—it’s the day the strongest, most incredible woman I know was born. It’s my mom’s birthday, and as I sit here thinking about everything she has done for me over the years, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and admiration.

Mom, you have been my rock. The one who has been there through every high, every low, and every in-between moment of my life. No matter the challenge, no matter how tough things got, you showed up with love, strength, and unwavering support. You’ve held me up when I was too weak to stand on my own, and you’ve cheered me on louder than anyone else when I found the courage to chase my dreams.

You’ve taught me what it means to be resilient. You’ve shown me that it’s not about how many times life knocks you down, but about how many times you get back up. You’ve walked me through my darkest days, offering advice, hugs, and wisdom, even when you were carrying your own burdens.

There are moments in life where I’ve felt lost, unsure of who I am or where I’m going. But you’ve always been there, a constant presence, reminding me that I’m capable of so much more than I realize. You have an amazing ability to make me feel safe, loved, and understood—something I’ll never take for granted.

Your strength isn’t just in the big moments, Mom. It’s in the everyday, too. The little things you do without hesitation or fanfare—like listening to me vent for hours, or making sure I feel heard, even when I’m at my most vulnerable. You’ve taught me how to love unconditionally, how to be kind to others, and how to never, ever give up.

I feel incredibly lucky to have you as my mom. You are the epitome of grace, wisdom, and love. I could never fully put into words how much I appreciate you, but I hope you know that I carry your strength and spirit with me in everything I do.

So today, on your special day, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being the rock in my life. Thank you for always showing me that love, support, and strength are the foundations of everything. I am who I am because of you.

Happy Birthday, Mom. Here’s to many more years of laughter, love, and memories together. You deserve all the happiness in the world.