Cristian Alin Serban TP in Romania
Crystal Rucker TP in the USA
My mother was born one day before my birthday, and I believe this is what has bonded us the most. Since childhood, my mother has been more of a friend than a mother. It never mattered what time or day it was; whenever I had a problem, we found the solution together. Our close relationship has been a constant source of support and encouragement in my personal development. On a personal level, my mother has been a pillar of stability and con- fidence. Together we overcame many obstacles, and her advice has always been precious. No matter the difficulties encountered, I always knew I could rely on her. This strong bond has been the foundation on which I built my self-confidence and ability to face challenges. My mother did not make me a doctor, lawyer, judge, or other “good” professions, but she taught me to respect others, to always be polite, and to stay united and close to my sisters. Professionally, our relationship has been a bit more complex. My moth- er had different visions compared to what I wanted to become. She wanted me to pursue a different career, while I had other aspirations. Nonetheless, despite our differences, I always understood that her de - sire was to see me reach my full potential. Her ambition of always de- manding the best from me motivated me to strive and achieve my goals. Thus, my mother’s influence in my life has been profound both person - ally and professionally. Her friendship and unconditional support have helped me become the person I am today, and her expectations and ambition have driven me to follow my dreams and reach my potential. Without her, I would not have had the courage and determination to overcome challenges and pursue my passions.
Folded, faded, and worn is a note in my wallet. It’s from my mother, and the words lift me from low to loved. It says, “For richer or poorer…Love, Mom.” The note was written many years ago, when we lived together while going through divorces. From roommates to family and friends, our relationship has had many titles to say the same thing: united with love. I grew up with my mother. When I was a baby, she was a teenager, new to life as a young adult, married, and grown up sooner than most. I knew she was young, and we didn’t have much money, but we had an abun- dance of family and always what we needed. As I became an adult, there was a time when I realized the magnitude of all she had accomplished. By 30, she had three children, a home, a job, a husband, and many re- sponsibilities. I don’t remember the struggles as much as the “mom mo- ments.” The way we always pushed and shoved to stand first behind her while grocery shopping, feeling special because I was finally old enough to drink coffee with her in the morning, playing spelling baseball in the living room while she read words to my brother and me. Her face was al- ways in the crowd, the stands, the chairs of the spelling bee competitions as she cheered me on. My first published writing was a Mother’s Day essay contest at 6 years old. I felt like a celebrity to have my photo and story in the local paper because I wanted everyone to know how special she was. The day I had my first positive pregnancy test, I called my mother first. I was 38, well into adulthood, but all I could think of as I read the word “positive” on the small test window was that I needed my mother. She came right over, and we both stared in disbelief and shared tears and excitement. She was with me in the room when I gave birth to my daughter and later my son. We have shared so many moments of birth and death between us. When her mother, my Nana, took her last breath, it was my mother and I holding her hands. We shared strength, comfort, and always love.
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SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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