The best thing that happened (in 2014)

It's mid-way into the first month of the new year and I've been itching to still write out some kind of reflection on 2014. As I was driving the other day, my muddled thoughts cleared to remind me the best thing that happened in the past year.

It was my relationship with my mom.

I've always had a good, close relationship with my mom. As the years have passed, we have over time transitioned from a mother- daughter relationship to really a best friend relationship.It especially deepened when I moved away for college. This new life transition while necessary, was also challenging. When everything is changing in your world, you want to find a constant, something or someone steady that doesn't change. My constant was my mom. College helped us solidify an even better relationship.

I would say two very significant events in the past year really propelled us forward. Just days before 2014 came, I went through a break up and who was the only person who could make it better?

My mom.


There is no one else I could have called as many times as I called her. Although we were more than 200 miles apart, I never felt closer. It was one of those moments, where the most raw, unfiltered emotion I'd ever experienced surfaced, and I so vividly remember her comfort seeping through the speakers of my tear drenched iPhone.

When the heart breaks, there seems to be no remedy. But my mother, listened to my sobbing, my stories and although she couldn't see my mascara stained faced, she went through the pain with me. We cried together and in the midst of the mess, was my mother's love surrounding me.

Just three weeks later, January 2, 2014, unfortunate event number two struck. I was admitted into the ICU for a mysterious illness that could have left me dead had she not pushed, from still more then 200 miles may I add, that I get taken to the nearest doctor.

While the cause of the blood infection is still a medical debate, what I don't debate is that she was my angel. As I lay, helpless like a newborn infant, unable to do anything in my own, she had almost instantly appeared in San Diego, to be not only by my  side, but to nurse me back to health.

The Bible says that there is greater love then one who gives his life for another and that is exactly what she did. For the weeks to come, she stayed by my side, temporarily moving to San Diego to see that I came to full recovery. For the days that she helped feed me, bathe me and help me with every essential daily task, I saw come to life, the definition of true love. She gave unconditionally and gave up her needs for the sake of mine. 

Almost dying will bring you closer to your immediate surroundings, but our relationship didn't stop growing once I returned to better health. That scary experience again propelled our relationship. As 2014 went on, other pretty big milestones took place and whether it was in person or in spirit, my mama was a part of every single one. 

There were some honorable mentions for 2014 - exciting trips, new adventures, new or deepened friendships, memorable dates, new career opportunities, new living situations and this may arguably be the second best part of 2014, my best friend moved to San Diego to live with me!

I am so thankful for each of these blessings and to see how I can use these gifts in 2015, but I especially look forward to continue cultivating my relationship with my mom. She is my hero, my cheerleader, my role model, my supporter, my foundation and best of all, I get to call this incredible woman, my mom. 

Mom, not matter how hard I try, I cannot find words that will even remotely portray how much I love you and how thankful I am that you are my mom. I am all the more convinced, with every passing day, that you are an angel in human form. I marvel at your strength, your wisdom, your beauty and your discernment. Your unconditional nature of giving to others, is puzzling, in the best of ways, as it continues to reach capacities that are unattainable by most. You are the most selfless person I will ever meet. The best that has ever happened to me, not only in 2014, but in all my years, is that you call me daughter and I get to call you mama.