To my mother,
Ma, thank you for being my role model.
It’s funny how I used to rush through life, eager to grow up so I could become everything I dreamed of all at once. And now, here I am—perhaps a little short of what I once imagined—still learning, still trying to understand what life truly means.
I may be twenty-six years older, but in so many ways, I am still a child at heart. Older, yes—but still searching, still hoping, still becoming.
And for that, Ma, thank you.
Thank you for teaching me the value of education. If you hadn’t built my foundation in reading and writing, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Writing became my refuge—my lifeline. In the words I’ve written, I found a place where I belong.
You helped me discover my purpose.
I may have reshaped and redefined my dreams over time, but they all stand on the strong foundation you gave me as a child. Through you, I learned the joy of striving, the discipline of learning, and the courage to face challenges with both caution and resilience.
As a woman, you never stopped sharing your wisdom and experiences. Because of you, I grew into someone who values faith, honors her parents, leads her sisters, and shows up for others with reliability and care.
I’ve become a woman who feels deeply, who helps willingly, who gives generously, and who understands quietly.
And I owe so much of that to you.
Thank you for building a home that soothes the chaos in my mind, understands the depth of my emotions, fills the emptiness in my spirit, and warms my soul in ways words often cannot express.
Thank you for every decision you made that led me to this life—to you, to the family that loves me, and to the sisters I cherish so dearly.
Even now, you never grow tired of guiding me. No matter how old I become, I will always be your darling daughter.
And all I pray for is time—more time for you to stay with us. Time for you to witness me, Jen, and Jea step fully into the lives we are meant to live. Time for us to make you proud in ways that reflect everything you’ve poured into us.
If ever I become even half the woman you are, I will consider my life well-lived.
I love you more than words could ever hold.
All my love,
Joy