Much love, Shaudeh Farjami

My biggest fear is growing up, aging, and losing time. Now going into my senior year of college this fall, my biggest fear is the closest to a reality than ever before.

One of my biggest worries is that I won’t grow up to be a woman as incredible as my mom. Everything I do, my mom always just knows how to do it better. Packing my bags, organizing plans, choosing outfits, reconciling arguments, giving the best hugs, the list is infinite. I fear I’ll never grow up to be a woman as compassionate, responsible, and special as my mother. No one does it better than her, no matter how hard I try.

Mom, I know it’s been difficult to wake up everyday for the past 21 years and have two curious, lively girls that rely on you. I know it’s hard to feel like sometimes your world is so small. I want to remind you that you are our world. I know, I don’t remind you nearly as much as I should. You are our earth, our moon, and the shining stars that we look up to. You are the center of our universe. You are my comfort, my nurture, and my home. You are everything to me, and I hope that on the hard days you realize how special you are.

To the strongest woman I know, thank you for your immeasurable patience. Thank you for picking me up, making dinner even if no one eats it, shouting at me, kissing me, forgiving me, and loving me unconditionally.

You are the truest friend I have.

Don’t get it twisted, I have always admired my mom. However, it wasn’t until I reached my college years that my mom genuinely started to double as my best friend. Perhaps it was a cultural norm, that your parents are your elders and your role models. As a child, there was a fine line between parents and friends. By college, I could open up about the conversations I avoided and share the jokes I was worried wouldn’t land. You are my most reliable confidant. You were there to pick up the pint of Halo Top ice cream after my first heart break, piecing back the fragments every step of the way. You never fail to brighten my day on the phone, staying on the line for however long I need.

Mom, there is no doubt in my mind that Mommon Katy is watching you from above, in awe of the selfless, powerful, and beautiful mother you are today. She must be so proud. I hope that one day, I can be half the mother you are.

I love you eternally and always. To my rock, my best friend, and incredible mother: Happy Mother’s Day. I am forever indebt to you, I owe you it all. I hope to make you proud.

I might have outgrown American Girl Dolls, collecting Kidz Bop CDs, and Jamie & Jack outfits. But I will never out grow how much I look up to you. I love you mom.

Much love,

Shaudeh Farjami