America Deserves A Raise

“Put your big earrings on!”
“You can’t meet people sitting up in the house!”
“You need to learn how to speak up!”

Mom used to always tell me these nuggets of wisdom when I was younger. I’d usually sigh heavily or roll my eyes, but listen to her anyway. Although I found the advice annoying at times, in retrospect it was about her wanting me to be more confident in myself and in everything I do in life. And I am thanks to her.

Mom has been my rock and foundation for all my life, and now it’s time for me to return the favor by helping her to receive this ‘raise’ that she truly deserves.

She’s sweet and caring and helpful to those who she works with at the local hospital (where she has worked for nearly 20 years). But I know inside she hurts. She still hurts from loosing her only sister to lung cancer and her only son to a car accident. She also hurts for me due of the loss of my father (her ex) and the loss of my job; All of this happening in 2009. Mom not only hurts emotionally, but financially; she had to pay thousands of dollars she really didn’t have to cover my brother’s funeral expenses, not to mention help me out when things got tight financially. And although a lot of mom’s coworker helped financially, I was devastated that I couldn’t help the way I wanted to because I literally did not have any money. I couldn’t even afford to fly to Missouri for my father’s funeral. It still hurts to this day.

I feel that by nominating my mom for this raise that it would give her the financial peace of mind that she needs. Because at the end of the day, we all have to keep pushing forward in life, no matter how much tragedy and heartache occurs. My mom is all I have at this point, and this gift would be a true blessing for her and for me. Thanks for reading!