Who runs the world? Girls! This week, Sticky Rice spotlights some of the special women that we have had the honor of learning from. Globally recognized as International Women’s Day, March 8th is an important day to honor strong women throughout history, and our lives. Our Peace Corps Thailand volunteers have written small articles highlighting women in their lives with a tremendous impact. We’d love to hear about influential women in your life as well, tell us in the comments!
Mia Buffington, 135 YinD
A Message to My Mom
When I think about the inspiring women in my life, one dramatically stands out from all the rest: my mom, Dawn.
Mom, you have been my mother for the past 24 years, but having you become my best friend has been my favorite part of our relationship. Growing up, I always thought that we were opposites, but I think it’s our similar core values that make us alike in ways that I never realized. The older I get, the more I appreciate that and cherish every minute together.
You are more than a mom of 3. You are a mom to everybody. It was always your top priority growing up that our house was a safe, comfortable space for not only me and my brothers but for all our friends, too. I know that you are the way you are because of the relationship that you had with your mom, Becky, or as we called her, Nene. Although she is no longer here, she will always be living through you, and I know she is proud of you beyond measure. If I have kids one day, I know I will continue the traditions of love and support that I learned from you and Dad. If I have a daughter, I would be lucky to have a relationship half as good as ours.
Moving 10,000 miles across the world – when I had only ever lived 3 hours away from home – is already a difficult reality to grasp, but it was knowing that I would be 10,000 miles away from you that scared me the most. I have gotten through everything in my life by knowing that you were always a call or text away. I am happy to report that this has proved to be true even with an 11-hour time difference. How lucky am I to have a mom that not only accepts the decisions I make but fully supports them, even though I know watching me walk through security at the DFW airport was scary for you.
Mom, thank you for being the coolest girl I know. Thank you for inspiring me daily to be the best version of myself. Thank you for talking to me about any and everything. Thank you for buying 6 bottles of white wine every time I come home because “it was on sale.” Thank you for helping me hide shopping bags from Dad when we spent too much money. Thank you for showing me how important girlfriends are and how true love is real.
Thank you for being my mom. I love you.
Sticky Rice 