Dear Mom,
Growing up, I could not understand why you would work so many long hours. I do not think I fully realized the meaning of a mother’s love and sacrifice. At the time, I did not understand the long hours were to provide me with everything you wanted me to have. Looking back, I know that you did and gave so much more than you needed to. Countless times you have placed your own needs aside to provide for me, and you did it without complaining and with so much love.
I am grateful to have a mother who constantly encourages me to take chances and to make my own mistakes. I am thankful to you for teaching me that with every mistake, there is a lesson to be learned and wisdom to be gain. Thank you for always instilling in me that I could be whatever and whomever I wanted as long as I placed God as the head of my life. I am grateful to have a mother who believed in me when I decided to get my master’s, move to Kansas, start on my doctorate, join the military, and relocate to Washington DC. Thank you for being my unwavering support, inspiration, encouragement, motivation, and hope, and for providing me with scriptures and prayers over the years.
I am especially grateful for your love that sustains me during the good and the rough times. It is your unceasing love and devotion, among many other things, that makes you grow dearer, more admired, and more appreciated each passing year. I am forever appreciative to you for teaching me to be happy with myself and whomever I decide to love. I am proud to say that the confidence and independence you instilled in me made me the man I am today. I may not always say the words, but I want you to know that I love you and appreciate all that you have done and all that you continue to do for me. I love you and I love that you are my mom and my best friend.
Happy Mother’s Day Linda Singleton.
Forever grateful,
Michael D. Gatson
P.S. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms out there. The way you treat others is part of the mark you leave on the world. Thanks for all that you do!
