From spending long sleepless nights rocking an insomniac newborn to helping decorate a last minute graduation cap, my mother has always put her children first – even if it cost her precious hours of sleep or sanity.
Whether it was driving my sister and me an hour each way to choir every Monday night or helping us move into our first apartment a few hours away, Marta Wright has always been a prime example of a great mother.
The definition of determined – my mother has always taught my siblings and me to overcome and never stop learning.
Growing up in Brazil, extremely poor, and later immigrating to the U.S. at age 27, she stressed over the years the importance of freedom, hard work, education, kindness and family.
Although she still mispronounces some words and sometimes makes us fork down a new “healthy” recipe, she will forever be my personal hero.
She has grown to be my sister and my solid rock amongst the storm. In facing breast cancer, my dad’s Stage Four cancer and my older brother’s passing, she has always remained the light in our family’s darkest days.
MORE: Column: Covering suicide as journalist, reliving it as a sister
But she goes by much more than “mom” to me – friend, adviser, counselor, nurse, teacher and confidant are just a few of the hats she wears.
Describing me as her “strong-willed,” “challenging,” “troublemaker” of a child, I put her through a fair share of worrisome nights, but it never wavered her love for me.
“Ever since you were little, from the minute you could walk, you would wander off and never look back,” she said one night in reminiscence of old Target shopping trips. “You never had any fear.”
During my toddler years, the saying “it’s too quiet … WHERE’S LIZ?!” became a fast staple in the Wright household, and my rebellious drumbeat has somewhat remained to this day.
But in true Christian fashion, she has accepted me as I am and learned to go with the flow – unless the flow was a little too outlandish and nonsensical. Somehow, she has always set me back on course when the wind blew my impulsive and passionate sails a little too far.
Whether I was getting through a painful doctor’s appointment or getting a tattoo on my 18th birthday in honor of my brother, to her temporary chagrin, she has – literally – held my hand through it all.
Even if she disagreed with my actions or opinions, she has stood by me each day and reminded me of her love.
While many could’ve buckled under the heavy burden of grief following my brother’s passing, she pulled us all by the bootstraps and trusted God to get us through it all.
Despite my own doubts, it was her faith, love and determination that saw me through the years of gloom.
And we have never been closer because of it.
MORE: Column: Fatherhood is about love not DNA
On this Mother’s Day, I would like her to know that she has always been my inspiration and will forever be considered my very best friend.
I would not be where I am today without her.
I have had my best days with her, and because of her I have had opportunities to truly shine.
About a year ago, there was a quote I heard from an actress portraying Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, and it immediately made me tear up because it reminded me so much of my mom.
“We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back to see how far they’ve come.”
MORE: Augusta University celebrates its graduates at the 2024 Spring Commencement
As I walked across Augusta University’s stage for graduation this past Friday with honors, I was reminded of how far I’ve grown and overcome thanks to her nurturing years and unending patience.
I hope every day I make her as proud as she makes me – because that is truly the greatest accomplishment I will ever receive.
Happy Mother’s Day Mom,
From your proud, rebellious, ADHD daughter.
