My name is Tristan Bailey, and I am Joanne Robinson’s son. This is my “ honouring our mothers” article on behalf of my brother and I. Thank you
The word “thank you” cannot express how grateful I am to be able to call you my mother. It’s so amazing and honoring to take a step back and be able to admire the body of work you’ve accomplished and appreciate everything you’ve set out to accomplish. Hearing the endless compliments from various people about how amazing you are fills me with pride as your son. These past 25 years there have been several highs and lows, but through them all you’ve always remained positive and kept your faith in God and for that I will always admire you as my hero.
At times, I couldn’t help but question some decisions you made for me but as I’ve grown older and wiser I have realized that those same decisions were always in my best interest and have made more sense over time. I was just too inexperienced in this journey called life to know better, so thank you for always being my guardian and guiding me to a better place.
There’s no one more supportive than you. When I told you I wanted to play baseball when I was little, you told me “let’s go for it.” Afterwards, when I was crying because I hit the kid with the bat by mistake, you carried me home, gave me a big hug and reminded me that everything was going to be alright, mistakes happen. When I was seven and wanted to play football, you and dad brought me to all my practices. Both times I injured my knee playing football you were always the first shoulder to cry on, reminding me that these things happen and I just had to stay positive. No matter what it was I wanted to do, you always supported me to the fullest and for that I thank you. You taught me how to be the expressive person I am today and always challenged me to think outside of the box, bringing out my creative side. Anything I’ve accomplished I owe it to your teachings.
Every time I did something wrong and you sat me down to lecture me about it. To this day, I remember every single speech and I cherished everything you’ve told me. Everyday I try and apply something you’ve taught me to improve, for the simple hope that one-day I can amount to half the person you are. You treat everyone with kindness, compassion, respect and love. That’s how I will continue to treat everyone for as long as I live.
Without question I can proudly say I’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to having an amazing mother, and I will never take it for granted. I wish everyone could experience what it’s like to have such an amazing person by their side always cheering them on and wanting only the finest things for them. I’ve watched you sacrifice eating dinner just so my brother and I can have a good dinner. I’ve watched you sacrifice sleep so I can go to sleep without fear. And on top of all this, the financial sacrifice you made to ensure l would always be good. I’m forever appreciative and can’t thank you enough.
The respectable man that stands before you today is a result of the effort, time, and unconditional love you’ve given me in abundance these past 25 years. Joanne Robinson, you have set the bar high on what it takes to be a real mother and in my eyes you will always be my hero. This day, along with the other 364 days in the year belong to you. Thank you for everything, Love you.