Thank You

The words “thank you” aren’t strong enough to say what you mean to me. They’re the only words that I can apply, but they lack the weight I wish they carried. I am not only thankful, I am much more. And I am more because of you. I am who I am because of you.

I have never been the strongest or the fastest, I have never been the hero or the savior. I have only been me, which is who you have taught me to be. You have taught me to know my worth despite what the world considers my flaws, you have taught me to grow in a confidence that defies doubt and challenges the world to offer me its best. And the best parts of me are given from you.

I am broken, I have learned this well. I have picked myself up and tried again. I am more than a conqueror, and I am honored to endure the hardships of life in order to become a greater man — you taught me this.

I’ve crashed and burned, worn myself out in overthinking life. I’ve chased fantasies that worried me of inevitabilities I made up, but you taught me how to let go and trust. You taught me to live a little more like McCartney and Let It Be.

You have for many years promised to keep the seat warm while I wait for my true love, telling me that when my perfect person steps into my life you will gladly give up your seat and offer it to her. You do not know that the seat you sit in, in my life is not for her. She has her own place in my heart, because you cannot be replaced.

When I don’t know what to say, I write. When I do know what to feel, I act and perform. I have matured into a passionate artist that admires the world with a rose-colored lens. And I am aware that not all my dreams will come true, but you taught me never take those lenses off because the world is a better place to live in when you hold onto hope. And as the romantic artist I have become, I only want to reach you, and to tell you that no matter how many fans I garner or audiences I amass, you were the first and the only praise I chase.

You taught me to be me by you being you.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for showing me hope. Thank you for being lovely. Thank you for your discipline. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for more than I can thank you.

Thank you for being my mother. Happy birthday.