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I wasn't always the best daughter. My Mom and I had our share of disagreements and battles. I made both our lives more difficult than I should have. With all the emotional trouble I gave her only the Lord knows how she put up with me through all of that. She was a single parent doing her best to make a life for the two of us. When I was just a young'n she would have to go in to work as I was getting home from school so I had to spend most of the evenings back then with my Nana and Papa. She missed a lot of school and after school activities. I felt left out sometimes when I would see all the other kids with their moms and I had my grandparents there with me. (Don't take me as ungrateful here because I'm not). I saw things as her missing out on everything. As I got older I realized that she had to do what she had to do (take what job and hours she could) to keep a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs and clothes on our backs. I also understood later on that most of my childhood she went without a lot of things just so I could be provided for.

I don't know that I'll ever be able to repay or thank her enough for all she did (and continues to do) for me. I grew up without a lot of material things but I had the essentials and more than that I experienced real love. I know what true love is thanks to her. We didn't have a lot of money but with her heart, determination and support I had everything I really ever needed. Now that I am a Mom I hope to be at least half the woman (and mother) she is and that my children grow up feeling for me what I feel for her.

Ma, I know you are reading this so I want you to know that through all our years (including the trials and troubles) you showed me how to be a real woman and what love is supposed to be. I appreciate everything you did for me, even if I fought you about it along the way. I wouldn't be who I am today had you not stuck with me and given me all the 'tough' love. I've seen what true strength of a woman/mother is. I wish I could make up for all the not so good things in our past but I hope that you know I am forever grateful for you and that the great moments of our life together will never be forgotten. I love who I am thanks to you. I love you!

Though this post is completely true and heartfelt I also wanted to share with you about the Heart of Haiti project.

The devastating earthquake of January 2010 has made it virtually impossible for Haitians to make a living. Raw materials have been wiped out, there are a lack of secure and sanitary conditions and little funding to support economic relief. Purchasing one of these handcrafted masterpieces directly benefits Haitian artisans by allowing them to support their families with dignity and purpose. Artisans receive 22 percent of the retail price for each item in the collection. This initiative offers the first sustainable income since the earthquake, enabling artisans to repair homes, pay school fees and feed and clothe their families. With steady income comes better nutrition, improved education and access to healthcare. Heart of Haiti also offers new opportunities for artists to collaborate with US designers, strengthening artisan associations and inspiring and energizing their communities. Men and women are working together, gaining confidence and hope for the future. Master artisans who planned to leave the country are now staying behind to train the next generation. The tradition of rich and unique Haitian art lives on... through the generosity of many like you.

If you would like to get something for Mom (or anyone else for that matter) you can use discount code CLEVERGIRLS from 5/3-5/8 to get 15% off Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace products sold through Macy's department store. Once you see the Heart of Haiti line I'm sure you can find something that your Mom would love to have.

disclosure: I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.