Gemotions

Sarah adjusted her glasses, peering at the notes she’d hastily scribbled on a napkin. Her mother, usually so vibrant, sat quietly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. The sight of her mother, nearing the next chapter of her life, stirred a potent ache within Sarah.

She approached the podium, a wave of heat rising from her chest. “Mom,” she started, her voice a little shaky, “you’ve always been… the glue that held everything together.” She noticed her mother’s slight nod, and a reassuring feeling settled over her.

Sarah recalled countless instances of her mother’s selflessness, the countless times she put others first, always offering help. She remembered her mother staying up late, helping with school projects, despite being utterly exhausted after a day of work. She smiled remembering the times her mother would put her own needs aside for others.

“You’ve shown us… what it truly means to be there for people,” she said, her voice softer now. Her gaze locked with her mother’s, and she gave her a small, heartfelt smile. “We love you.”