“Nyah, that’s English!” my mother exclaims as I ask for the third time for a translation of what the singer said.
“Oh,” I say, grinning as she laughs.
This scene is a constant anytime I am in the car with my mom. As we argue over the music (her playlist consists mostly of songs that are either in Punjabi or Hindi), my constant cluelessness directed at the lyrics fills us with laughter.
Our laughter is a commonality of our relationship, and it’s a trademark of my mom’s personality. Upon meeting her, the first thing everyone tends to notice is her big smile and vivacious, outgoing personality. My mom could effortlessly make friends with anyone, a gift I envied for most of my life.
Something about her personality draws people in. I remember many instances spent observing her as she mingled at parties, connecting with everyone she met over the simplest things. I sat watching from the corner, in awe of the person in front of me.
For the longest time, I thought I took after my dad with my shy, reserved nature and tendency to value logic over emotion.
However, as I have grown, I have come to realize that I am most like my mother. Her ability to form a connection with anybody has slowly begun to rub off on me.
The way she interacts with others leaves them in a state of joy. From her full laugh to her radiant smile, one cannot help but feel at home in her presence. That is what she symbolizes to me, the feeling of home.
My mother and I are more friends than mother and daughter. I tell her everything as if she was my best friend, often to the shock of my actual friends. I know I can go to her with any problem, not even seeking advice, but somehow leave feeling comforted.
My mother has been there for me time and time again. She has soothed me to sleep when my thoughts would run rampant, all without a single complaint. She has taught me countless lessons, provided me with hundreds of laughter filled moments and most importantly, allowed me to unapologetically be myself.
She is also one of the strongest people I know. Though she has faced countless adversities in her life, she persisted and re-invented herself time and time again. It is because of this that I have the drive to pursue even the loftiest of goals. Watching her start her life over to enter the world of education and quickly rise to the role of assistant principal at Keyes Elementary School in Irving in only seven years has shown me repeatedly that, while it may be a cliché, if you want something bad enough you can achieve it. Those words fuel me to work hard in my classes and follow my passions into my career.
As we get our popcorn ready and curl up on the couch, probably having our third Twilight marathon of the year and mercilessly mocking the characters between giggles, I glance up at my mother and am reminded of one thing: she is my everything.
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