When we’re kids, it’s easy to cruise through life without fully appreciating all the things moms do for us. It’s just…normal. Who else is going to magically know where your favorite shirt is or have snacks ready at the exact moment you’re starving? But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize how many sacrifices my mom made to raise us the best way she could—and let me tell you, the list is endless.
Growing up in a single-parent household was a bit different than the experiences of the kids around me, but honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My mom poured her whole heart into making sure we had what we needed, and she did it with love, grace, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the toughest days.
Take, for example, when we moved to Princeton. My mom picked that town because she believed the school system was top-notch and would open doors for several opportunities. Living just a 10-minute walk from the university made our childhood feel a movie. I walked or biked everywhere—school, the library, ballet classes—you name it. My brothers biked to work, and when we eventually got our licenses, we all shared one car. And guess who gave it up without hesitation so we could get to our various activities? Yep, Mom. No questions, no complaints—just pure selflessness.
Our little apartment in Princeton wasn’t huge, but Mom made it a cozy, warm home. Sharing one bathroom between the four of us? Pure chaos. But it’s the kind of chaos you look back on and laugh about—mornings filled with shouted countdowns for shower time and rushed mirror-sharing moments. We all pitched in, cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing the bathroom, and doing whatever we could to lighten Mom’s load because she worked so hard to keep everything running smoothly.
And let me tell you, my mom isn’t just a great mom—she’s also my best friend. She’s the kind of person who offers her sweater to you the second you compliment it. (I’m not even kidding—she’ll insist.) She’s taught me everything from how to cook our family recipes to how to believe in myself, even when self-doubt creeps in.
At college, my friends call her when they need advice because, apparently, I’m not the only one who knows how amazing she is. She’s become a mom to all of us, dishing out wisdom and encouragement like a pro. My friends adore her, and honestly, I think she could start a side gig as a life coach if she wanted.
And then there are the little things she does that make me feel so special, like surprising me with pretty roses next to my bed every time I come home. It’s such a small gesture, but it reminds me of how much thought and love she puts into everything she does. It’s her way of saying, “You’re home, and you’re loved,” without saying a word. Honestly, it’s those little moments that stick with you—the kind of love that shows up in everyday acts of kindness.
Despite everything she’s been through, my mom shows us nothing but strength and resilience. While others around her are retiring, she’s still working hard to provide for us. Her dedication and love have given us everything we have, and for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.
It’s easy to take the little things moms do for granted—like a home-cooked meal or the perfectly fluffed throw pillows that make the house feel like home. But those are the extra touches moms add to our lives every single day, and they deserve all the gratitude in the world for it.
So, Mom: thank you for being the strongest, most selfless, most incredible person I know. You are my hero, and I hope that one day I can be even half the mom that you are.
Here’s to you, and to all the moms out there—you deserve all the love (and maybe a nap).
