A Letter to My Mom on Mother’s Day

Dear Mom,

My earliest memory of missing you is like a punch to the gut. I was just a tiny human, and our family was already broken. But then, the ultimate plot twist - you got taken away on Dad's birthday of all days!

I not only lost you, but also my home, the backyard, and my beloved dog, Beddy, who was my best friend. Everything happened so suddenly, and I was left bewildered, wondering, "What is happening?"

The moment it hit me like a ton of bricks was when I visited you in county jail for the first time... A thick glass window separated us, and I couldn't hug you. I was confused and scared and wanted you back more than anything!

But then, something changed. You started to own your situation and make the most of it. You started to change your mindset about your situation, taking college courses, and eventually landed a job with Televerde.

I was like, "Whoa, Mom's crushing it!" You were leveling up, and I was stoked to see you leveraging your talent and intellect to learn new skills.

Those short weekly visits were like precious gems. I started noticing a profound shift in your attitude and outlook. Like a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly, you were transforming before my eyes!

Working with Televerde was the catalyst for this change. You went from being stuck to being grateful for your time in prison - crazy, right?! But you realized you needed that push to transform your life and become the person you wanted to be.

Our visits turned into mini-therapy sessions, during which you shared your growth and insights with me. You started parenting me differently, more like a mentor and friend. You saw yourself in me—the good and the bad—and helped me navigate life while navigating your own. My parents even started reconsidering their divorce! After nearly a decade apart, they were thinking about reuniting. It was like the universe was mirroring your personal growth with a second chance at love and family.

The day you finally returned home was like a confetti-filled celebration in my heart (I still remember releasing those balloons together so vividly to this day)!

I was a mix of nervous, excited, and unsure, but as soon as I saw you walk out of those prison gates, all my doubts vanished.

I sprinted towards you like a tiny Olympic athlete, jumping into your arms with a force that could launch a rocket! Tears and smiles galore, we all knew instantly that our lives would never be the same.

Your journey and the opportunities you received have influenced my career choices and personal growth profoundly. It's like you were a stone thrown into a pond, and the waves of your transformation reached me, shaping my life in ways I never imagined. Thanks to your experience with Televerde, I got to work with the company as a high schooler and learn the skills necessary to succeed in business. You inspired me to pursue higher education, becoming the first in our family to earn both a high school and college diploma. You pushed me out of my comfort zone and moved across the country for two years to help establish Televerde's Indiana operations. And when I needed a spark, you encouraged me to return to the company that changed my life forever.

Most importantly, your journey has kept me grounded and empathetic towards others, especially the incarcerated community and their children. I care deeply about making a difference in their lives, just as Televerde did in ours.

I see the potential for transformation in everyone and want to help spark that fire in others, just as you did for me.

Thank you for being a rockstar of love, strength, and determination! Your transformation has been a masterclass in resilience and second chances, teaching me that no matter how dark things get, we always have the power to learn, grow, and emerge stronger on the other side. You've proven that anyone can overcome the most demanding challenges and build a brighter future with the proper support and mindset. You've taken the pieces of your life, broken and shattered by circumstances, and painstakingly glued them together into a stunning mosaic of hope and determination. And in doing so, you've taught me that no matter how broken something seems, it can always be fixed and even better than before!

I'm so grateful for your example, your lessons, and, most of all, our friendship. Sometimes, it feels like you're the only one who truly gets me, and maybe that's because you've instilled so many pieces of yourself in me. it's like You're constantly saying,

"Hey, kiddo, I'm with you, and we're in this together, always!" You've been my haven, guiding light, and biggest cheerleader.

Your transformation has shaped my view on life and second chances in ways I never thought possible. It's taught me to embrace challenges, lean into uncertainty, and always believe in the power of redemption and growth.

And for that, I'll be forever grateful. You've shown me that every storm eventually passes, and the sun always shines bright again. You've taught me to embrace challenges, lean into uncertainty, and always believe in the power of redemption and growth.

As I look back on our journey, I'm filled with much love and admiration for you. You're not only my mom but also my rock, my mentor, and my friend. Your strength and transformation have inspired me to be a better person, to chase my dreams, and to never give up on myself.

Thank you for being my everything, Mom. I love you more than words can express.

With all my heart,

Samson Blaze Cirocco

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