To My Mother

I have made a list of three things you have taught me:

1. Stand up straight.

Now, when i say stand up straight, i don't mean posture wise. What I mean is when you are staring adversity in the face, square your shoulders and hold your head up high. In a world full of people who are waiting to see you fail, there is no room for cowardice. So, Mom. Thank you for teaching me to stand up straight even if the weight of the world is on my shoulders.

2. Enjoy the ride.

Sure, it's as if life is filled with a constant rainstorm and a scarce amount of sunshine. But, on that day when you are standing in the eye of the storm. Stop. Inhale. Exhale. And take a look at the hidden beauty in a world full of ugly. So, when i complain to you on the car ride home how much i hate high school or how annoying my coaches are, i stop and count out reasons you gave me to be happy. So, here's to you and your superpowers. Thank you for giving me my sunshine, Mom.

3. Smile.

When grandma passed away, i remember walking into Tia Hilda's and you smiled at me. In the worst moment of your life, you smiled through the pain. It was in this moment i realized just how strong you are. You hold the weight of the world on your back, but you don't let it break you. Even if everything around you is crashing down, you don't let your smile falter. Mom, you are the strongest person i have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You have ichor running through your veins, with the heart of Athena beating in your chest. Thank you, Mom. So much.