If there was ever a lifetime achievement award for being an outstanding parent, it would (rightfully) go to my mother. A much younger version of me would have felt very awkward admitting anything of the sort, but now it just feels like a genuine observation. 

With the practicalities of single adulthood intruding in my own life, I'm starting to realize the depth of the adversities that my mother had to overcome in hers.

It would have takenan incredible amount of courage, perseverance, and charisma for anyone to achieve what my mother has achieved, in spite of living in a society that is deeply patriarchal, and working in an industry that can be quick to forget – and she has done it all as a single mother no less.

The care and selflessness with which she raised me has left an indelible impression on me. The love and understanding she continues to show me well into my adulthood motivates me to be a better person every day.

She is more than the sum of her film performances, awards and recognitions, and charitable work; she is special beyond measure and I can only hope to be there for her going forward, as she has been there for me in the past.