I remember being in elementary school and getting asked to write about my hero. I would always draw a blank. At that time in my life, I was surrounded by dysfunction. All I knew was my small world and the family in it. Certainly, the word hero never came to mind when I thought of them. I've often thought of this question as time has gone by and I still couldn't answer it.
Then I met you.
I was at a point in my life where I was simultaneously so sure and unsure of where I was going. All I knew was that you were there to help me fill that void of uncertainty with laughter and light.
And you still do.
Boy, have we evolved as humans since that time. With that growth, our relationship has blossomed into something that some people can only dream of having.
You are laughter when all I can seem to find are tears. You are that swift kick in the ass when I need it. You are a sedative when my thoughts spiral out of control and I feel like I'm going to implode in on myself. You are a balm when I feel wounded. I share some of the deepest parts of me with you and never worry that you will dishonor that for your own gain.
I have never had a friend that will give me brutal honesty while still acknowledging my feelings as valid. Do you know how special that is to me? In a world of smoke and mirrors, you offer a realness that is hard to find. What makes this even more beautiful is that you trust me to do the same for you. Our relationship is the true meaning of give and take.
These traits are only the tip of the iceberg of what makes you who you are.
You are forever giving of yourself to others, even when you have so much weight to carry on your own shoulders.
I've watched you grow from being this young woman fresh out of high school to a matriarch of her own domain. You have brought two smart and beautiful spirits into this world. I see parts of you in their own personalities and I think to myself, they will go far. You are unwavering in your dedication to being the best mom you can be....even when it's hard. You constantly evaluate how you are serving them and adjust to serve even more.
I know you are tired. I know there are days where your very body aches from the responsibility you carry. There are days when you feel so close to just clawing at your own face because you've reached your limit....and yet.... you keep going. Somehow, you keep finding that last vestige of strength to keep going until the day is done.
Yes, you are blessed beyond measure, but don't think for a minute that knowing that lessens the validity of those moments where you feel like you have given all there is to give.
Sometimes, when you become a parent, you feel like an afterthought to others. Everyone asks how your babies are. People notice them first. They judge you based on what they see in them. I just want you to know that I aim to not do that. You are first and foremost, Katherine. That bright and shining individual who makes this world a better place by just being in it.
You are a hero. Not only to those two precious children who call you mama, but to me. You are everything that you sometimes don't believe yourself to be capable of being.
I love you, Katherine. My respect and gratitude for you are unfathomable. Always remember that when you are having a hard time remembering all the great parts of who you are, I am but a heartbeat away, waiting to remind you.
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