Farewell My Mother

My mother.

The person who raised me

on collard greens and bay leaves.

And the notion that ginger ale cures everything.

The woman who has shaped my future and is my inspiration.

My mother, Latonia Evans, is an achiever of not one but two Master's degrees.

My mother showed me that a person's disability does not define them

My mother taught me to give everything and more

My mother taught me that education is important

My mother taught me to be a mother to all

My mother taught me to be the shoulder to lean on and the helping hand to hold others up.

My mother taught me discipline, perseverance, and kindness.

She taught me it never hurts to show kindness to others, even if they are not kind to you.

She taught me that the world becomes more beautiful with each act of kindness.

She taught me, how to embrace who I am.

And I'm so glad I listened.