By Kenda - May, 10th 2013

It’s so easy, as a mom myself, to get wrapped up in what *I* want for Mother’s Day. I watch my Facebook newsfeed go by and see mothers debating over what gift they want and what restaurant they want to go to. But, it’s far more rare to see people talking about what they are going to do for their mothers this weekend. I did get my mother a few gifts, of course; things I know she enjoys, but typically doesn’t buy for herself. But I wanted to take a moment to tell her everything a box with a bow can’t say.

Dear Mom,

Growing up I can remember nights spent crying over my so-called ‘friends’ in high school; yelling, “I have no friends!” while you sat patiently with me and assured me that, no matter what, you would always be my friend. After almost 40 years that has always stood true.

Due to my own disinterest in your advice, I continued to suffer through unneeded heartbreak through my younger years. I opened myself up to toxic relationships, tossed priorities to the side and ….almost…ruined my future. I say ‘almost’ because the one anchor I had left, in so many times that I thought I’d be tossed against the rocks, was you.

As I matured and came into my own womanhood and motherhood – again there you were. Often I shut you out, told you I knew better and I could lead my own life. You stepped back, just enough to give me freedom – but stayed close enough that you were only an arm’s reach away if I started to sink. You endured being unappreciated and unheard – even as you watched me walk down the wrong paths. But, you held fast to the belief that you had trained your child up in the way she should go.

As I faced each day on my own with a child who depended on me – you didn’t shut me out. You didn’t turn your back and leave me alone with the consequences I’d created for myself. Instead, you gently (and sometimes not so gently) reminded me which direction would take me to higher ground and made sure you were there, waiting for me. You didn’t carry me so that my legs would become weak; you held out a line so I could pull myself up and gain my own strength. You helped me raise my first son while still raising me. The steadfastness you showed amazes me still. No matter how many times I ignored your wisdom and ran headfirst into trouble – no matter how many stresses you had in your own life – you still nurtured the connection between not only me, but with your grandson as well. All the while still raising my brother too. Always there. Always reaching. Always loving.

Today my life is different. Today I am my own woman with my own family and my own lines I have to throw out for my own children. I like to think that the anchor I give them is the same anchor you gave me: You can do this. I won’t do it for you, but I will be here if you fall. I think of you as I show compassion, love and strength for my sons. I catch myself saying things you said, doing things you did and yes…feeling the things you felt. And I am honored.

Do you realize how much you have molded and shaped who I am? Do you realize how many of your words, actions and beliefs have had a profound effect on my life, my family and my outlook on the world?

Do you realize that the woman I am, right now — is the woman you wanted me to be. And that woman…. is so very much like you.

Thank you, momma. For everything.

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As I think about how amazingly blessed I was to have a mother, and a father, who loved me every second of my life – I also think of the mothers and children who struggle. Families who battle every day through illness, poverty, war and disaster. I think of children who are in abusive and toxic homes. I think of how much love moves, changes and affects lives.

This post is in partnership with theMotherhood and Johnson&Johnson. I was compensated for my time, but my words are from the heart.

Johnson & Johnson has teamed up with Save the Children this Mother’s Day to spread the news that love matters.

JOHNSON’S® Baby has established JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES Care Cards, a digital e-card platform encouraging moms to share positive messages of encouragement with other moms across the country, while simultaneously supporting Save the Children®.  You can help, too!  Simply pick and share a card filled with messages of reassurance for a Mom in your life on Facebook at http://www.johnsonsbabycares.com. For every card sent, shared or liked, JOHNSON’S®  Baby will donate $1.00 to Save the Children® (up to $150,000) to benefit early childhood education programs that foster education and reassurance for new moms. These cards will not only spread encouragement to Moms throughout the country but will also provide Moms in need with the skills and knowledge to successfully support their child’s growth.

This year, I encourage you to take a moment to tell your mother exactly how much she means to you. And, if you have a few minutes to spare, send a card to someone to thank or encourage them while helping children and families around the world.