The bags under my mothers eyes are a symbol of her strength and dedication. These subtle, but profound marks, etched beneath her eyes, reveal a story of unwavering perseverance and commitment that has left an undeniable mark on my life. My mother, a single parent at 22, has navigated life’s challenges with a determination that has always inspired me. Those bags under her eyes are a testament to the life struggles she faced. They are a reflection of the sacrifices she made, choosing my wellbeing and safety as a child over her struggles. When I was younger, I never fully understood the meaning of those bags. Frankly, I saw them as a sign of weakness, but as I grew older I realized those bags were, in fact, badges of honor. Observing my mother through the years, they represented her ability to carry the weight of our small but mighty family. She was our sole provider, our problem-solver, our biggest cheerleader, and go-to for advice. In fourth grade, my school loved parent-involvement events, and one time my school hosted a daddy and daughter dance to celebrate Father’s Day. I was always hesitant to tell my mom of these events because I knew she was busy at work and I never wanted to bother her. The dance was held during lunch and recess and attendance was mandatory, so when we walked into the cafeteria I walked straight to our assigned tables while glancing jealously at my friends whose dads spun them around in the air. I saw someone sitting at my assigned seat and it was my mom wearing a pink shirt and black dress pants to match my pink polka dot dress. In that moment that I ran up to her I realized that my mother played the role of two parents, and from that moment on she never let me feel like I was missing anything. The bags under my mothers eyes are not a mere physical feature but a powerful symbol of her strength and dedication. They are a silent narrative of a belligerent life lived with purpose and love. I am grateful for the lessons they have taught me and inspired by the example she continues to set. As I begin to embark on my college journey, I know I don’t want to follow my mothers footsteps, but I do want to walk beside her. And I know life will carve those bags of struggle under my own eyes. But they will be bags of hard work, and a determination to create a life that I know my mother will be proud of.