ANNABELLE CHU ’28
I’m ashamed to admit that out of all my chats, the one with my mom is the only one marked as unread. Not because I didn’t read her texts, but because I didn’t feel like replying to a reminder to get my work done or a text asking me how school was going after bombing my 551 Math test.
It’s hard to stay in touch with people outside of the campus when there’s so much going on inside of it. But staying in touch with your mom feels even more impossible. For me, my mom isn’t just my mom: she’s the person whose opinion I care about the most and the one I’m most afraid of disappointing. Maybe I avoid talking to her on my bad days because I’m afraid she’ll find out my life isn’t perfect here (ironic, because that’s when I need her the most).
There are so many things I want to tell her—about how much I look up to her, how thankful I am that she still loves me despite my terrible response rate, and a host of other things that are too difficult to put into words. If you’re reading this, Mom, 母亲节快乐. 我爱你.
DEVEN PATEL ’27
In honor of Mother’s Day, I wish I was able to fully thank my mother for everything she has ever done for me. However, the truth is, I will never fully understand everything my mother has sacrificed for me and my brothers. I will never be able to fully comprehend all the time, effort, and love my mother has spent helping me grow into a young man. Yet, despite this, I still want to try my best to show my appreciation for her never-ending unconditional love.
I know my mom’s journey as a mother definitely hasn’t been the easiest. From finding out she was having a twin set of boys, to finding out she was having another set of twin boys, it has undoubtedly been hard. Even though my mom was dealt a difficult hand, she never let the challenges stop her from giving my brothers and I an amazing life.
On Mother’s Day, I am reminded to not only give thanks to my mother, but to honor her by living with the same kindness, selflessness, and love she has given me.
JEREMY FANG ’28
It hit me Sunday morning that, even though my mom had visited me the night before, I forgot to wish her “Happy Mother’s Day,” or worse, to give her the carnations I had bought.
With most of us away from home at a relatively young age, Mother’s Day is different. I, for one, don’t call my mom nearly enough, a distance most people don’t develop with their moms until after college.
Every time people ask me if I miss my mom at school, I sheepishly laugh and say, “I have too much stuff going on.” In reality, I do miss her. A lot.
When I called her, she told me that she did see the flowers in my room. I know it’s hard for her to be so far away from me, especially since I’ve been in boarding school since 7th grade. Her understanding of who I am is rebuilt from stories and photos every time I go home.
The carnations are still sitting on my desk, and by next week, they will begin to wilt. Happy Mother’s Day; I love you so much.
