Happy Mother’s Day From Leila Ryndak

In celebration of Mother's Day on Sunday May 13, we asked Patch readers to write a letter to their mother and let us deliver it. This is Leila Ryndak's letter to her mom:

Dear Mom,

I know that today you're doing what you're known best for: creating a warm atmosphere, taking care of everyone around you, making sure they're well fed and sending them home with Tupperware containers full of food.

On a day when it's supposed to be all about you, you make it about everyone else. I know it can't be easy being a motherly figure to everyone — both at work and at home — yet you do it with such natural grace that it appears easy. Your infinite supply of love never ceases to amaze me. I wish all of Winnetka knew how jealous I am that they get to see you every day when they grab their cup of coffee or their lunch, but perhaps now they will have an idea!

It's hard being halfway across the country on a day when I wish I could be the one creating a warm atmosphere, taking care of you, making sure you're well fed, and sending you home with something extra. And it's not just today that it's hard being apart. I miss you every day. I miss how you smell. I miss your long hugs. I miss teasing you about being so short and cute when I stand next to you. I miss how soft your hands feel. I miss your kisses that leave lipstick marks on my cheeks, reminding me of the "stamped" letters you used to send me at summer camp. And I miss doing laundry at your house because for some reason it always smells cleaner!

Though I'm far from home, I know there's only one reason I could be out here pursuing my dreams today. That reason is you. It is your infinite love, support and grace that has empowered me to leave the nest. I know sometimes that feels so unfair, but just remember: I'm off starting to build my own nest so that I can offer you somewhere soft to land once you're finally off your feet.

Thanks for working so hard to support me and my brothers our entire lives.

I love you so much, Mommy Joon.

Love,
Moosh

—Leila Ryndak

See all Mother's Day Letters here.

For next month's Love In A Small Town feature, we want to help you give Dad the best Father's Day gift ever. Write him a heartfelt letter to tell him how much he means to you, email it to locallove@patch.com and we'll feature it in your town's newsfeed on Father's Day. Get more details here.

Image Credit: Leila Ryndak