To You, My Mom.

"Mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her, there seems to be no heartthrob.” —Leroy Brownlow

Everyday may not be your birthday, but everyday doesn't have to be.

We often don't realize how much we truly appreciate and love a person until their special day. We may tell them from time to time perhaps, but rarely do we ever show them. I've learned that the future is invariably unpredictable, and if you don't appreciate the ones you love the most in this moment right now, you may never truly get the chance to.

So here's my letter to you. To my Mom...

When I think of my Mom, I think of the women that raised me. The women that brought me up. The women that taught me the ways of life. The women that was always there for me, no matter what it was.

But aside from the things that make you such an incredible mother, I also think of the small, subtle things that you do that make you such a special person in my life.

Our weekly walks to Starbucks. When you give me girl-advice. When you pick up my favourite foods from the grocery store. When you pick up treats for my dog. When you make us one of your amazing dinners. When you do all the little things that really, you never had to do for us in the first place, in order for us to love and appreciate you.

But as I've gotten older, it didn't occur to me until much later, how truly grateful I am to have you as my role model, protector and care-giver. The little things you do go such a long way, and I know that when I eventually move out, I will miss every little thing that you do for this family.

So much of what you do for us goes unnoticed. It goes without you asking for anything in return. And perhaps that's what it means to be a great mother- you never ask for anything in return for what you do. Because all you want is love, respect, and to see your family happy.

But perhaps you should, Mom.

Perhaps you should want something in return. Because as hard as I try right now to write you something meaningful and from from the heart, I feel as though it is not enough, nor will it ever be, to repay you for the life you've given me.

Mom, you've given me hope.

You've given me a life to create for my own. A life of my choosing. You've given me the gift of being in control of my life and who I want to become. And for that, I can never repay you. All I can tell you is how thankful I am and how much I love you.

Mom, I am so fortune to have you in my life. I am so grateful to have had all the amazing memories, experiences and opportunities growing up that you and Dad have provided for me.

Whether it was showing up and cheering me on at every single one of my hockey games, or just being a shoulder to cry on when I was going through a rough break-up. You were always there for me.

And for that... I will always be there for you.

You will always be my Mom. And no matter where life takes me- no matter where life brings me- I know I will always be at home when I'm with you, Mom.

So here's to you. Because although yesterday was your birthday and you turned just one year older, everyday should be a day where we appreciate, love and cherish you to the utmost.

I may have not always shown that to you, but I want you to know, that I would not be who I am today or where I am today, without your constant and unconditional love and support. I love you, Mom.

So happy birthday to you, and don't worry, you don't look a day over 20.

Love always,

Your son