I was born April 9th, 1989. My mother was 20 years old, unmarried, and still in college.

Despite my forthcoming existence, my mom decided not to let baby me keep her from achieving her dreams of being a lawyer, as she knew it would be better for both of us in the end.

My mom left our home in Idaho for law school when I was 3 years old. She had made the difficult decision of leaving me with my grandparents so that she could focus on her studies.

While I was never angry at her for leaving, it was hard for me to be without my mom for so long. And I can only imagine how hard it must have been for her.

I talked on the phone with my mom nearly every day for those 3 years that she was gone. She would also send me letters and postcards, all of which she signed with the same drawing. Two smiling hearts, one big and one little, holding hands.

After she had graduated and we were reunited, my mother continued to use this symbol throughout the rest of my childhood. Even to this day, I will receive cards, notes, etc. from her still signed with the hearts.

I remember the day she dropped me off for college halfway across the country. She couldn't bear saying goodbye, so she left a note displaying the two hearts on a sticky note, placed on my desk. I remember thinking how beautiful it was that something so simple could pack such a powerful message, even after 18 years.

And now, at age 23, I finally have a permanent reminder of my mother's love for me on my right wrist. The love that she has shown me since day one, and continues to show every single day of my life.

And the best part is, she has one to match.