For Mother’s Day, the women of DSCL wrote letters to our moms—the women who raised us, guided us, and still show up when we need them most. Here are our real, heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the love, the support, and all the little things moms do that mean so much, even long after we’re all grown up.
Karen Rivera
To the woman who went into labor with me on her birthday…
I can say thank you for so many things, but one of the biggest ones is for breaking cycles. The cards you were dealt were not ideal, from a bumpy childhood to being a very young mother. Yet you set an example for me to be kind, loving, hard-working, and to always do what’s right. To be appreciative, thankful, and see the value in homemade gifts. You showed me how to mother my own family, nurture through nourishing meals, maintain a home, work hard, but also—and very importantly—to never skip your own hair appointment.
Thank you, Mama. Happy Mother’s Day.
And to my own boys, being your Mom is my favorite title. Isaac, my bonus boy with an old soul: Your faith inspires me. Cruz: No one can make me laugh harder; your personality and smile is infectious. Zane, my sweetest babe with a zest and love of adventure: I love watching you enjoy this life.
Annie O'Brien
Mom,
As I (too quickly) pass through each stage of parenting, my gratitude and respect for you as a mother increases dramatically. Looking back, you seemed to do it with such grace and ease and, most importantly, left me with fond childhood memories filled with love. I don’t remember many of the details, but I know it was good, it was happy, and it was filled with love. I pray I leave my children with the same. Since I don’t say it enough, thank you for all you did then and all you do now. I have loved seeing you enjoy this chapter as Nonnie and look forward to seeing your relationship with all my kids grow over the years. Even though we may be states away, you stay active and present in our lives, and that is the greatest gift.
Love, Annie
Whitnie Strauss
Mom,
Thank you for carrying the baton and equipping me so that I can one day pass it on. Strength is in our blood, but I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without you showing me the way.
You, Aunt Terry, Aunt Gwen, and Grandmommy instilled something powerful in me. It’s the ability to stand tall when life feels heavy, to keep moving forward when the path isn’t clear, and to show up for the people we love with unwavering determination.
That legacy is something I try to instill as I raise Cora. I remind her often that resilience, character, and determination matter. And when that doesn’t work, I ask her, “What would Mimi say?”
My hope is that one day Cora will feel that same fire in her spirit and understand where it came from. And when the time is right, I’ll hand her the baton.
With love and gratitude,
Whitnie
Isabella Aldrete
To have a present mother whose love is truly unconditional is a blessing in its own. But to find a best friend in the woman who raised me is a complete miracle. You are everything in a woman I strive to be: confident, unshakable, warm, motherly, witty, and empathic to a fault. Not exaggerating in the slightest, you are the bestest friend I have had and will ever have. I can’t wait to read fantasy novels and watch trashy reality TV together for the rest of our lives.
And to the mother of my mother, who raised us all, you are and have always been my favorite. The struggles of my life are nothing compared to the trials and adversity you have endured and I am forever grateful for your strength. Mama, you are quirky, tough, intelligent, and full of free spirit. I will forever see you in book stores, the garden, astrology, monopoly, Pokémon, little stores, and much more.
Morgan Synoground
My mom is my favorite person. She is kind, soft, and the encouragement I’ve needed my entire life. She is everything I want to be as a mom, and two months ago she stood by me as I stepped into my own motherhood journey. Thank you, mom, for showing me the path to being a good mom.
To my sweet girl,
I celebrate my first Mother’s Day by thinking about how I never knew love like this existed. Being your mom has given me a glimpse of God’s love for us. You have made my world brighter and more sacred.
I promise to always be your listening ear, your comforting touch, and the safest place in the world. I promise to give you a life full of magic and whimsy. I pray you have a bold faith, you grow kind, and you always know how loved and adored you are. As long as I’m living, my little baby you will be.
Nothing else I ever do will be as holy as being your mom. You are a gift entrusted to me from the Lord, the greatest act of worship I will ever achieve.
On this first Mother’s Day, I thank Him for choosing me for you.
Melissa Svoboda
“Watch me! Watch me, Mom!” You heard it a million times as I demanded to be the center of attention. I know it was exhausting, but you were always there—at every competition, performance, and celebration. You were the ultimate room mom, team mom, and chaperone. You made the best costumes, threw the best parties, literally twirled a fire baton, and you made it look easy.
Because you were there, I always had a protector who made it safe to try and a fan who made me believe I was the best. Whether I won or fell, you were there to cheer me on and pick me up.
Now that I’m a mom, I get it—all the love and the sacrifice. And now that you’re Grammy, I am so blessed that you are here for my kids, always showing up with selfless love, patience, faith, and candy.
You’re my first call, my sounding board, my shopping buddy, my best friend. I’ll always need you. Thank you for showing me what love looks like. Now watch me try to be half the mom you are.