Dearest mother,

With the infinite things I want to tell you, if I had to choose one, it is that you are loved – so, so much. Not just by your family and friends, but by everyone whose lives have been blessed enough to know, and be touched by you. I have met, and encountered many in this world, but none quite as selfless and generous as you. As someone who shuns the spotlight every opportunity that she gets, it would be the understatement of the century to say that you are not celebrated enough. But the truth is, as the years have gone by, I have come to realize that it in fact is that elusive side of yours that makes you all the more endearing. After all, those who you choose to share your time, advice, and resources with, and those you open up your home to – be it people or the causes dear to you – are those you truly value and love. To know you, is to love you, and seeing different versions of you evolve as I have grown up through the years has, and will forever be one of the greatest honors of my life.

Your ability to always view a cup as half full even in dire situations, as well as your gracefulness to forgive and let go of what is not meant are traits of yours many, myself included, can only hope to grow to learn from. My whole life, you have taught me that leading by example is the only way to effectively teach and lead, and because of that, I have learned that there is a stark difference between judgment and discretion; that loyalty is invaluable and underrated – it cannot be bought, and because of its rarity, should be cherished because it is the tightest embrace when you expect it the least. You taught me that authenticity is key, that the truth will always prevail, and that kindness does not equate to being a push over. Because of you, I will never forget that with the privileges we are blessed with in life comes responsibility, and that the truest test of character is not yielding to power, or failure. You ingrained in us that consistency is key, and that faith will always tide one through. You raised us in so much love, and your steadfast presence is the comfort we all look for when the going gets tough, and in the midst of a crazy day.

Cliché as it may sound, I came to appreciate you even more when I became a mother myself. Suddenly, all your worries were valid, and not exaggerated. To this very day, still, no one comes close, nor is as relentless as you in caring, and I saw that even more when my son came into this world because that is how you love those who mean the most to you.

So on your seventieth, may you feel the love that you have so generously given ten thousand fold. May you relish in the small things because you have always preferred those over grand gestures. May the world bless you with all that you have prayed for, and may your inner-most thoughts and wishes come true.

Happy, happy birthday, mom. We love you!