My mom. From the moment of I was conceived my mom’s life was a struggle as a mom. She was 16 and it had been her first time. She came from a bad home situation and was already living as an emancipated teen. When she learned the news of my presence she really had several options but made the one that she felt was best for me. She kept me.
She was only a junior in high school but I didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. When she returned to school the principal actually put a banner across the front doors because returning to school from a teen pregnancy was unheard of then. My mom wasn’t just anyone though, she was determined. Not only did she graduate, but she graduated with her class.
Instead of life getting easier for her over the years they only remained a struggle. My father grew into an alcoholic but instead of staying for financial reasons she got us out of a bad situation. She worked multiple jobs and did whatever she had to do to to help us get by.
As I got older I often found that I resented her for our struggles, for our path in life, and problems I had experienced in life. I couldn’t comprehend some of the choices she made and why she made them.
Then I became a mom- and it all made sense.
I not only understood her choices but I respected her for them. For always putting me first and for always making sure I had what I did. For giving up her dreams to make sure that I might just make mine. For holding down two jobs, a child, and still getting her college degree.
If I can be half the mom my mom was to me- I will be happy. If my children grow up and reflect back on me the way I do her- I will be happy. If regardless of the situations life throws my way, I always put my kids first like she did- I will be happy.
Mom, thank you for the challenges you were brave enough to face. For the courage to not only deal with them face on but to let me see your strength. Mom, thank you for always putting me first and helping me be the person I am today.
Perhaps you know a heroic mom or see one when you look in the mirror. Share your story and be entered for a chance to win $2,500 cash from Allstate. Plus four runner-ups will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. *The five finalists will be chosen from the Entries receiving the most votes.
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What a beautiful tribute to your mom. You two look like sisters! I understand what your mom went through. I was a teenager when my first child was born. It was tough, but like your mom I believe I made the right decision and my daughter has been a blessing.
your mom sounds amazing 🙂
It’s so great that you have an awesome mom,you are both so pretty too!!
Calling my mom now 🙂
Kudos to your Mom, shes a beautiful & amazing person!
very loving mom & you are a very loving daughter…..i lost my mom over 25 years ago and i still miss her every single day…give your mom a big hug for me! you are both beautiful…you look like sisters!
polly~.
Beautifully written and well-spoken. Your mother sounds like wonderful loving woman. I didn’t get it either until I became a mother myself. I face many of the same challenges your mom did, but I have very loving and close family, so I have a great support system behind me. I know how hard it can be to work multiple jobs and attend college. Kudos to your mom for doing such a great job and kudos to you for me a loving daughter to your mom and mother to your own children. 🙂
You’re mom is beautiful! You have her eyes. Good for her for being brave and determined.
Your mother seems like an incredible, incredible person from your well-written post about her-I definitely have to give her major kudos and my respect for doing everything she did throughout the years. It makes me realize that even though I have struggles and they are completely different then hers, I can keep going if I just have the will and the determination!
So, your mom helped to teach ME something, too 🙂
Good luck in the contest!