Today, of all days, I am reminded of what it has been like getting the opportunity to grow up
with a mom who is everything a mom should be. She is my biggest supporter, my consultant on big life choices, my best friend. Over the past few weeks, amazing things have been happening in my life and I know they are due, in some part, to the wonderful woman who raised me; her wildflower.
Now I wouldn't say wildflower as if I am the wild child (that would be my sister). But I am astounded by the way my mom has been able to walk this unconventional path with me. She has let me grow outside of the garden to become that wildflower I needed to be. And I'm pretty happy with how I've grown up with her by my side.
From the beginning, she's always encouraged me to share my words, and when I said I couldn't do anything but write, she understood. When I wanted to change my major after half a semester, she helped me figure out where to go next. She drove me to NYC and let me have one of the best months of my life. She reads more poems and drafts of chapters than any one person should have to read. She lets me tell fantastical stories about my dog like they are the
truest things she'd ever heard. My mom has been there every step of the way.
And when two pieces of my writing were published this week, she read them and handed out copies at work, and without ever having to say it, I could just tell she was proud. With my poem, "Bite-Sized," (which you can find here). I remember her letting me read it to her when I first wrote it and to see her read it now as it is published was great. The same goes for my short story "Three of Swords," (which you can find here). She has been just as excited as I have and I can't wait for the day when we can read a real published book penned by me and be equally as enthusiastic.
Without my mom, I don't think I would have this unwavering love of literature, a wonderful work ethic, strength, love, and hope. She is the single most influential person in my life; she is my light. And I hope she knows that, today, and every day!
I love you, Mama.
xoxo
K.K.