Peace in Her Arms

By Mariana C.

Being the only daughter in a household with older brothers where testerone rules comes with both its joys and challenges but having my mom be there with me, she became my haven. We grew to have a bond full of laughter, secrets, playful banter, and most importantly, understanding. All of this together has made my home life a lot more manageable.

My mom has always been a huge part of my life. Obviously, she’s my mom, but to me she’s even more than that. She has been my biggest supporter, my biggest role model, and my best friend. Although I can admit that there've been a few rough patches as our relationship stabilized to what it is today, none of those has made the love we share any less. 

Even though I have many special moments with her that I cherish, such as us staying up late watching TV, going on walks together where we just talk as if there’s nothing we can’t keep from each other, or going out shopping while the guys are out looking at cars, I can only think of the few identical moments that I preserve in the back of my mind at all times, her hugs.

A mothers embrace is as warm and sweet as a cup of hot chocolate. Or at least my mom’s hugs are. My mom has hugged me many times, but sometimes when that hug is really needed and she understands why, it’s almost as if she’s embracing me and trying to absorb my pain.

My mother has shaped me to be the woman that I am now. She has been my role model since before I could even walk. She has shown me strength, resilience, and kindness. She is and will continue to be where I seek wisdom from. She always knows exactly how to teach me more about discipline and empowerment. 

There was a time where I wasn’t very close with someone from our family. This was back when I was just an immature kid and didn’t think before speaking. I can’t remember it too clearly but I said something really hurtful. My mom was present and she heard me. Instantly I was reprimanded, she pulled me to the side and explained that although she understood I was hurt by their actions, I had to be a better person and not make rude remarks.

In spite of the fact that we still have our struggles, whether those are silly fights or unresolved tension from the past,  it makes me feel safe knowing I can talk about them with her and feel resolved. My mother will always be a huge part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without her.