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Yesterday, I woke up and almost immediately texted my mom, as I do most mornings. Between classes, I texted her about what I was up to and how my day was going. Once she got off work at 5, we had our daily facetime session where we shared how our days went and what we were looking forward to for the rest of the week. She made sure to text me goodnight and that she loves me, as she does almost every evening, and I did the same. I went to sleep taking the time to realize for the first time in a while just how lucky I am to have a mother that is also my best friend. I fully understand that most people my age might think I’m crazy for saying that, but that simply reminds me to be all the more grateful. As the seasons of life change and new friends come and go, I know that I will always have someone there to love, support, and listen to me without fail. Don’t worry, I have some pretty amazing friends that I’ve made during my time in college too, and those are friendships that I cherish equally, just in different ways.
Now, when I talk about being best friends with my mom, I’m not referring to an “I’m a cool mom” from Mean Girls type of situation, although that is pretty awesome too. Instead, I’m thinking more of a Rory and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls essence, in which the mother-daughter relationship is that of true friendship (if you are not an avid chick-flick watcher, as are my mom and I, I apologize for the use of that more than likely confusing analogy). Although I went through some hormonal teenage years where I thought I was too “cool” to hang out with my mom and was embarrassed by her hovering and interest in my social life, I thank God every day that I snapped out of that mindset. Whether it be calling her multiple times a day, her always being my go-to shopping partner, or planning her trips to and from Louisville regularly, my mom truly is the real OG and always will be. Not to mention, having your mom as your best friend has some serious perks too.
To start, she knows everything about you (well, mine does at least). This means you won’t have to worry about friendships that include keeping secrets or feeling shame, because she knows all there is to know! Next, she pushes you to never give up, as she can see more of your potential than you could ever see in yourself, which is something that generic friendships lack. A mother is not afraid to put you in your place, calling you out when you don’t want to hear it, but know you need to. She is not only there for the fun and positive times cheering you on, but she will be there to hold your hand through the bad times and life’s challenges as well. When you feel most lonely, she will be there to fill the void, talking about everything and nothing all at the same time. Moms are the best at giving constructive criticism, and if yours is anything like mine, she has no filter. And last, but what I have come to realize as most important, is that my mother refuses to give up on me, even when I have given up on myself. She will be there always, the epitome of a true friend.
I am forever thankful that was lucky enough to be blessed with my mother as my best friend, and my wish is that everyone has someone with whom they can share a relationship with that is as close as ours. After writing this, I think I’ll call my mother and remind her of just how grateful I am for her, today and always. Friends have come and gone, as they will continue to do, but my mom is a constant- and a true companion, and I will never be ashamed to share that.
Mary Catherine Medley is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2024. She is studying criminal justice and political science at the University of Louisville.