While going through some things a few weeks ago, I found a letter my mother had written to me, when I was 15. I was going to a church retreat.

In all the chaos of my life, there have been many times when I’ve forgotten what unconditional love feels like on the receiving end.

Realizing what was lost when my mother died is a real gut punch, but reading this has given me renewed trust in myself and confidence that someone at some point believed I was strong and capable.