2017 — Mom

Mom, 2017 wasn’t perfect. But you made it softer. You made it safe. You made it home.

I think about the way you laughed that year — tired but full, like you were still finding joy even when no one was watching. And the way you cried once, quickly, wiping your eyes before turning around to ask if I wanted tea. mom 2017

Here’s a draft for a sentimental or tribute-style piece titled — depending on your intent (a memory book entry, social media post, or personal journal). You can adjust the tone as needed. Mom 2017 Mom, 2017 wasn’t perfect

Thank you for being my constant when the calendar kept changing. You made it home

In 2017, you taught me that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a hand on my back when I failed a class. Sometimes it’s a packed lunch when I forgot to ask. Sometimes it’s just you, sitting in the living room with a book you’ve been trying to finish for three weeks, still putting it down the second I walked through the door.

There are some years that feel like a Polaroid slowly developing — blurry at first, then sharp with meaning. 2017 was one of those years. And through every faded corner of it, you were there.