Becoming Mo

Today, I’m thankful.

Not because it’s Thanksgiving, but because I’m genuinely glad to be here, to be me, and to have lived through everything that has brought me to this moment.

I’m thankful for myself. For the strength I’ve found, the courage I’ve summoned, and the wisdom I’ve gained along the way. For the times I kept going, even when I didn’t have all the answers.

I’m thankful for my health, for the gift of life, and for the privilege of accessing God’s peace and unspeakable joy, even in seasons when life felt anything but peaceful.

I’m thankful for my home, my family, and the little kid and grown-up who keep me on my toes. For the ups and downs, the lessons, the laughter, and all the little moments that have brought us this far.

I’m thankful for Bibi, for her cautious, sometimes brutal honesty, and for the different sides of her I’ve come to know and love. For the nudges, and the many ways she’s encouraged me to find me, try more, and grow. For the kind of friend she continues to be.

I’m thankful for Abiola, for her love and for the gift of having a true girls’ girl in my corner. Someone who values truth and fairness, and whose support means so much to me.

I’m thankful for David, for the quiet but meaningful impact he’s had on my journey. For the listening ear, the thoughtful words, the prayers, and the space to process, reflect, and find my footing through some difficult days. For being a God-sent light in a season when I needed one.

I’m grateful for Uncle Ben, my ever-reliable vent absorber and the family favourite. And Auntie J, for her can-do spirit and that reassuring “I’ve got you” smile.

I’m grateful for my sibling, for how much we’ve grown, and for the journey that has brought us to where we are today.

And my mom. My doctor, chef, pastor, and everything in between. For the many hats she wears, the love she gives, and the countless ways she shows up. Some things are simply too big for words.

I’m thankful for the big things and the little ones. For answered prayers and the grace to wait. For the smiles and the tears, the unexpected turns, the hard lessons, and the beautiful surprises.

I’m thankful for the people who stayed, the ones who showed up when it mattered, those who had to go and the moments that reminded me that I wasn’t walking alone.

Looking back, I can see that not every day was easy, and not every season made sense while I was living through it. But here I am. Still growing. Still learning. Still finding reasons to smile.

And today, that is enough.

Today, I’m not taking the big things for granted, and I’m not overlooking the little ones either.

Today, I’m simply thankful.

And my heart is full.