For Mother’s Day in 2008, I gave her a framed photo taken of us in 2006.

She would often tell me over the years that she felt like a bad mom. So, I wrote on the back of the photo:

Dear Mom,

Thank [you] for all your hard work to be the best mom you can be. You are not a bad person or a bad mom. You love and care and want always to help. Thank you. I hope you feel well and comforted that you are loved and appreciated by so many because you truly want to help and heal. I love you.

—Tinka