Hi mom, it’s me. I would write you a formal letter, but let’s face it: No one does that anymore, and I’m not sure where to get stamps on campus.
I was just talking to you about how I wasn’t sure what to write my column about this week. After all, it will be my second-to-last column before I graduate. I still can’t believe it. When do you think it will finally set in that I’m a senior and true adulthood is imminent?
Will it be during my final semester with all my friends? Will it be when I take that last final? Will it be when I get ready with my cap and gown or when I finally walk across the stage? Whenever it may be, I know you will be right there.
You may be 166 miles from campus, but I know you are always one Google Duo call away. I always look forward to our conversations while getting to see the dog and cat, even when the cat decides to hang up on me.
I can always count on you to talk me through a stressful day or any of my many life questions. Sometimes I’ll hear your voice in my head saying “You got this,” or “Everything is going to be okay.”
Somehow, you always know when I’m upset, and you won’t hang up the phone until I smile. I could be in tears, but 10 minutes talking to you can make me start laughing.
Our relationship is something I will always cherish. I love that we do things together. Some people might think that hanging out with your parents is weird, but spending the day with you is one of my favorite things to do.
We can run errands and then laugh at some of the crazy clothes at Burlington. You always love pointing out when the patterns don’t match in the back, and then I return the favor by showing you something in a crazy color. “Oh, c’mon, you know you want to buy this.” Afterward, we’ll laugh down the aisle wondering who would actually buy such a hideous piece of clothing.
We always eat dinner together. I know few families sit around the table to eat dinner together anymore, but I love that we do. On most Sundays, we’ll go for two meals in one day because of our quarantine-established weekly brunch.
You do so much to keep the family together, so after a long day, we always end it the same way: watching our favorite TV shows. At around 10 p.m., you’ll make your tea and we’ll relax on the couch while making fun of the position the dog is in. She sure does love those pillows, especially the one that says “reserved for the dog.”
Not only do we have our nightly routine, but you have created traditions that I treasure, like our New Year’s Eve movie marathons in our pajamas. This is a tradition that I can’t wait to continue throughout my adult years.
It might be difficult to be away from each other during the academic year, but we always make the most of the breaks and spend as much time together as possible. The truth is, I’m not ready for when I have a real job and our days together won’t be as common. However, I know that when we do have time to go out on our mini-adventures, it will be amazing.
No matter what, I know I have your love and support. You read The Scout every week and you’re interested in the projects I’m working on. You always want to make sure I’m safe and happy. I know that if it came down to it, you would get in the car and drive the 166 miles down here if I needed you.
I am incredibly lucky to have a mom like you. You care deeply about the things that matter, and you are also the strongest person I know. We’ve been through some difficult times, but you’ve always shown strength.
There’s so much more I could say, but I’m already over 700 words, so let me end this with one final thought.
I probably don’t say it enough, but thank you for all that you do, and I love you more than I could possibly express in a single column.
Sincerely,
Your favorite … daughter :)
