I have to admit #MomKnowsBest: A daughter's 'love letter' to Ma

This Sunday, as daughters the world over shower their mammas for all that they do and have done over the years, I want to do the same. I want to tell you all the ways you make me love you, each day, every day.

Dearest Ma,

This-Sunday-as-daughters-the-world-over-shower-their-mothers-for-all-that-they-do-and-have-done-over-the-years-I-want-to-do-the-same-Shutterstock

When I’m feeling sad or not-so-cute or maybe a little sorry for myself, you tell me how beautiful I look or how cool I am. Sometimes, you send me a crazy YouTube video. And it actually works!

This Sunday, as daughters the world over shower their mammas for all that they do and have done over the years – like buying us a Fendi bag or telling us we’re just as talented as Sam Smith (FYI: He won four Grammies, this year) or as intelligent as Jonas Salk (He discovered the first Polio vaccine) – I want to do the same. I want to tell you all the ways you make me love you, each day, every day.

So mom, go on and grab a tissue and get ready for all the feels!

“You're my favourite person in the whole world" is not something you're going to hear me say. Not only is it unfair to Dad, but it really won't go down well with my sister and brother, who I love and adore so, so deeply. Although, it's hard not to keep thinking it.

You, you, you. Mom: You're the one person I say "I love you" to more than 10 times in one day. You're the first human I share all my ‘problems’ with. Thank you for being the intrepid explorer who pulls me by the hand into the future. And also for not holding a grudge for all the times I didn't listen to you.

Sometimes I worry my heart might explode from how much space you occupy.

(GIF source: Giphy)

I love you more than words can express, and I know you feel the same way.

You're my motivation for being the best version of me. You are strong, beautiful, intelligent and smart. You are an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Mom, you are my rebel warrior for walking to the beat of your own drum, always defending the underdog and fighting for what you believe in. I love that you do not let others define who you are, or what you are. You truly are your own incredible, unapologetic person! As tough as you are, you will drop everything to take care of someone you love.

I wish I could tell you this enough: I admire how compassionate and kind you are to people, how you look them right in the eye when you speak to them. How hard you work, how generous you are with your time and efforts. How you don’t care if anyone knows about it because you do it from the heart.

Mom, just one thing: If I do say so myself, you (and Dad, of course) did an amazing job raising us (my siblings and me); I feel it's now time for you to take a backseat and let me handle my life how I see fit. I am kidding (I am serious!).You should take some comfort in the fact that I have stayed on my own, in different parts of the country for almost half a decade now and know a thing or two about healthy snacks, auto-rickshaw drivers and so much more. Even though you know best, let me make my own mistakes. Pretty please?

(GIF source: Giphy)

Now Mom, there will be plenty of times when you’d want to criticise me by offering a suggestion or just telling me I'm wrong. Don’t. Remember what you taught us as children: If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.

As we wind up another Mother’s Day, let me thank you for the unconditional love and friendship (You are my best friend and you always have been). Thank you for being patient with me, when I didn’t deserve it (Perhaps it is easier for me to take my frustrations out on you than anyone else in this world because you love me limitlessly and unconditionally). Thank you for comforting me through heartbreaks (Thanks for letting me cry on your bed when my ‘best friend’ did not treat me well). Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, always. Thank you for the undivided attention. Thank you for everything (From supporting me emotionally through my awkward middle school days, to sacrificing your personal time to talk me through my problems).

As I get older, I realize more and more how much you have done for me and continue to do every day. You're in all my thoughts and dreams, and every wish I make upon a star.

Love,
Your proud daughter

(The author tweets as @SanyaHoon)