Thank You Letter to Mom

By: Sanjali

Dear Mom,

I’m supposed to be thanking you right now, but I don't even know where to start. How about we go chronologically? 

Year 1 I screamed all throughout my first night in this world and you still kept me. Thank you. 

Year 2 You continued to deal with me even when my first word was “no” and you realized this was going to be an uphill battle. Thank you. 

Year 3 You taught me my mother tongue, Bengali, so I could stay connected to my culture. Thank you. 

Year 4 You entertained me by showing me the birds outside our balcony, teaching me to love animals. Thank you. 

Year 5 I mistaked another woman for you at the supermarket and you tracked me down and actually reclaimed me. Thank you. 

Year 6 You took me to the ocean for the first time. Thank you. (P.S. Now I hate living in Minnesota.) 

Year 7 You attended my first stage show and clapped even when I stood there and did nothing. Thank you. 

Year 8 You moved to the United States so I could have more opportunities. Thank you. 

Year 9 You dealt with my Webkinz obsession. Thank you. 

Year 10 You starred in my home-made masterpiece iMovies. Thank you. 

Year 11 I memorized all the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s 1989 and you allowed me to scream “Boys only want love if it’s torture” in the car. Thank you. 

Year 12 You encouraged me to sing and learn guitar. Thank you. 

Year 13 You bought me tickets to my first ever concert! Thank you. 

Year 14 You did not tell me to take all the AP classes possible. Thank you. 

Year 15 You were always there as friends moved away or grew apart. Thank you. 

Year 16 You helped me parallel park even as I hit the cones every time. Thank you. 

Year 17 You brought a puppy home to replace me once I went to college. Thank you. 

Year 18 You continue to teach me more than formal education ever could. Thank you. 

Love from your best (and only) child,

Sanjali