In Appreciation of Mom

We never see eye to eye
We bicker out of spite
We debate, we fight
And in suffering silence, sigh

We are the same, yet very different
Two women more like sisters
Our difference of opinions
Expressed in the clash
Of similar personalities

Yet my mother is my hero
For teaching me tenacity,
That everything happens for a reason
To look to the future with hope
Have courage to overcome difficulty
And the spirit to try adventure

Mom thinks I don't know what she did for me
In coming to this country to have a better life
Giving up a life of privilege
For independence, freedom, and opportunity
For the chance to raise me as American

She braved many winters
Away from her tropical homeland
Survived an unhappy marriage
For way too long
All for the sake of her children

My mother is my hero
Because she's always been there
Even if we disagree
It's in spite of her that I am sane
But it's because of her that I am brave

She is my thorn, my rival
My hero, my mother
Yes, Mom, I see you
I appreciate you
And I love you.