Dear mom,

You are completely ok with going around town in your workout clothes and no makeup and I, therefore, am also completely ok with it (and actually prefer this to regular clothes and mascara)– you have always exhibited confidence.

You could listen to me talk for hours without interrupting or getting bored or telling me “Andrea, none of this will matter even 6 months from now” even though that is usually the case – in hindsight, your patience astounds me.

You made sure the three of us had clean school uniforms every day for about 11 years – you’re a true servant.

You can have two phone conversations at once: a cell phone on one ear and a house phone on the other (trust me, I’ve seen this happen or have been on the other end of one of the lines more than a couple of times) – you don’t leave anyone out.

You’ve worked several summers at a camp in the middle of the woods (killing chickens for food), lived in the notoriously dangerous yet beautiful Rio de Janeiro for five years, taught school in Miami, travelled to far away lands such as China and you’re currently in Ethiopia – I aspire to have such a brave spirit and deep strength.

You give God the credit for all you do and have done – you are His humble follower first and foremost which has made your leadership and motherhood what it is: a bigger blessing than I could have ever asked for or imagined.

I love you mom!

eternally grateful,

dre