Dear Mama

Dearest Mother,

I often attribute my ability to love unconditionally to you. But, over the years, wisdom has taught me that you have given me so much more. It has taken me many years to understand not only your enduring and unconditional love, but also your strength. In my very early years, the dynamics of our family changed in a very impactful way. Yet, I never allowed tragedy to turn me into a depressed, unmotivated, or mischievous child. I continued to shine, I continued to strive for excellence. I understand today that this was all made possible because of you – because of your ability to demonstrate love despite your pain and your magnificent capacity to shoulder that burden. Your incredible resilience allowed something that should’ve broken us to strengthen us in bond and in spirit.

Today, I am a father. And, as a parent, failure is not an option for me. I understand now that this mentality exists within me because failure was never an option for you. As much as my father has taught me about being a man of honor and maintaining a code of ethics, you have taught me about loyalty and dedication to family. Raising me in the church provided me a deep, spiritual foundation for which I am forever grateful. Through your actions, not just words, you have exemplified the power of forgiveness. Having been born of you, Mother, you are my first example of God, just as Aset to Heru. My nurturer, my provider, my teacher, and my protector.

Thank you, Mother.

Thank you for accepting and loving me without condition.

Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you for your intuition.

Thank you for making me feel like a prince even when we were faced with immeasurable odds.

Thank you for keeping it together even when you were unsure of how to prevail, yet knowing to trust in God.

This is what a Mother does.

Thank you for every moment.

Thank you for every sacrifice.

Thank you for making my life a blessed life.

Your son,

Ronaldo