It has taken some time for me to cull my thoughts, and write these words to my dearest mother

– a woman after my heart, whom I truly respect and adore. Though words are not enough to
capture my thoughts in full, I’ll try to pour out my heart as I write about someone who means
and represents many things to me; as my mother, my dear friend, my mentor, my coach, my
greatest source of encouragement, my gift, my confidant, my everything… after my future wife
and my God.

I can barely recall the sweetest part of my life without you; you have been such a strong and
positive influence, instructing, directing, moulding and shaping me into the man I have evolved
into. You spanked me with your left hand, yet drawing me close into your loving embrace with
your right hand. The wonderful and emotional memories I have with you are embedded in my
heart, that even pictures cannot do justice to all of them.

I would never have understood the essence of life until you gave birth to me and I first felt your
motherly love, to nourish and protect me; I never thought I had strength, until you showed me
what it takes to grow from a boy to a man; I never understood the true meaning of happiness
until you made me appreciate family; I never understood the true essence of maturity, until you
made me appreciate forgiveness, self-worth, immaterialism, and the beauty of appreciating
little things.

For years, I’ve watched you be a steadfast woman and follower of Christ, a devoted and faithful
partner to your husband, as well as a loving and dedicated mother to your children; giving
advice, care, and efforts to maintain a true relationship with God, family, friends, and the
society; helping those you owe a responsibility towards, as well as those you have no ties with.
You are an epitome of the woman the bible speaks about in Proverbs 31:10. Your commitment
to our family and the sacrifices you make to ensure that we are bound by love challenges me
to do the same when I am ready to start my own family. The perception with which you correct
and direct inspires me; while the patience with which you bring understanding to difficult
matters is worthy of emulation. You are really a multifaceted woman!

As we celebrate your 60th birthday I pray God’s very best for you as we embark on yet more
memorable events in our lives. You are a promise from God that I would have a mother and a
friend forever. If I am to play a song that would never end, I would love to take my first dance
with you!

You are an amazing soul ever ready to help, always open to differing opinions, and so
compassionate and kind. You have always taught by example. I hope we celebrate you again
next 10 years with good health of mind and body. There’ll never be a day in my life when I
won’t need you. I’m here for you too. Always remember that.

Thank you for being the loving, caring person you are. Thank you for being the selfless person
you are. Thank you for being the trail blazer you are. Thank you for how you relate with your
family, friends and every other person.

Happy Birthday, Mom. You light up my world like a crystal chandelier dripping in diamonds.