A Letter To My Mom

Dear mom,

I don’t think I fully understood what this trip would mean to me until I was in the middle of Coban, Guatemala helping out at the clinic. Everyday in clinic, I was reminded of the strength and compassion you have. Today at the glasses station, I saw mothers light up when they found the right prescription, then immediately brought up their children to experience the same thing. I also saw the strength and selflessness of a mother in the waiting room, watching mothers comfort their children, reassuring them with gentle words and quiet patience despite their worries and exhaustion.  

What struck me the most was the look of adoration after watching their children do the smallest to biggest actions. I saw it in the way they celebrated when their child having the strength to sit themselves up in physical therapy. I saw it in the way they brushed hair out of their children’s faces while waiting for treatment, trying to ease fear with nothing more than a smile or a hand to hold. I smiled, laughed, cried, and mourned with the mothers I met this week. A mother’s love was felt in every place in the clinic. 

I noticed the humility the mothers had during my experience, not taking any credit for their child’s progress. The progress happened because of the constant love and support of the mothers. Sharing these moments with the mothers reminded me so much of you and all the ways you have supported me, often without asking for recognition in return. 

Through the endless sheets of coloring books, they stayed and admired. Through the illnesses and uncertainty, they stayed and guided. Through the challenges of becoming a single parent, they stayed and nurtured. Through all the obstacles, they stayed and loved. There is no strength greater than the one of a mother. The resiliency and selflessness of a mother is nothing short of remarkable. 

Words cannot fully describe how much I appreciate your impact I felt during this week. You truly are incredible, mom. Thank you for being the person who guided me through this experience. I am who I am because of your kindness, love, and patience. I can’t wait to share this experience with you. I love you. 

With love,

Val