For you, Mom

I can't phrase it, really. This feeling of gratitude and consciousness of all that you are and all that I am, and how my world would not be standing at all if it weren't for you. So you see, it is impossible, in every sense of the word, for any human no matter how talented a writer or how accomplished an individual to say the things that deserve to be said about a mother. But I feel like this is the least that can be given on the scale that has already been set by our mothers. Words of gratitude, words that do not amount to much in the face of their sacrifice, in the face of their love- but still, words that want only to be heard, if not by anyone, then at least by her; mom. 

You were there when no one else was, you were there when I was no more than a mass of cells and tissues, when I was a wee fragile thing that fit into your graceful hands, you were there when I was walking on my wobbly, uncertain feet towards your outstretched hands. You were there when I first left the comfort of home for school, when I came back home tired at fourteen, you were there. You were there when I first learned how to drive, your voice guiding me through the twisting paths, you were there when I walked up the stage to receive my high school diploma and there again when I drove off to my first day of college. You were there. 

And I am grateful with every fiber of my being. I am grateful that I was blessed with a loving mother who was there throughout it all, a mother who scolded me when I fought with my sister, who laughed at my (not-so-funny) jokes, and who always listened when I had something to say. You are my lighthouse during the storm, my floating lantern during the dark, my sun and my moon and all of my stars. Thank you for all of the sacrifices you have made, and for all the things that you continue to do for me - thank you for putting my life before yours. I have lived 20 years now knowing your name and I wouldn't wish to live a second of life without you being there. There as you always were. 

I love you mom, 

- Hajirah