How should I help better my relationship with my mom?

She does love you. You even said it yourself " She has made a lot of sacrifices for my brother and I". A mother's instinct is to protect her children and make sure that they are sought after. Your mom could have grown cold over the years. She does deal with constant stress about making sure her children and herself are taken care of. Your mother may not feel sympathy because she is not really around. She has not had the chance to see her children grow and turn into the beautiful human beings. She does not understand what you are going through because she is never around to see it. In time she will realize how much you love her and care for her. She will return the favor. Just keep saying I love you to her and leave her cute little notes or cards. Yes it sounds cheesy but sometimes the constant reminder will help her open up. Also tell her you are there for her so that the two of you can talk. Once you establish an open line of communication then the affection may come with it.

Your mom SHOWS her love for your. She may not be affectionate, which I will admit, is very vital. But, she does love you. Some moms can only be as affectionate as they know how. Your mom may not know how. But she will still move mountains for you. Keep loving her sweetie. You and your mom have an amazing relationship as is.

Your mom could be just too tired to express her love the way you want. She could also be very different in terms of the way she shows love. Her love could be through the sacrifice she makes and sometimes, mothers get too tired that they can get annoyed at even the cutest things. Working hard can make you seem staunch, cold and distant but she probably just hasn't had the time to enjoy the moment. If you can, be patient with her. Try and find times for her to relax too, with you guys. Have you considered that she might also be hurting and in need of some comfort? Other than that. Be patient with her. Keep loving her and doing your best for her. This will be hard but hug her. Even if she or you is not used to it. Make it a habit. Hug her. Tell her you love her in the morning with a kiss and continue to love her. Be careful though, to build up slowly. Heading into something like this too fast could cause many issues but take it slowly & write a diary.

Your mum's way of expressing her affection appears to be through what she does for you, rather than her actions towards you directly. You pointed out yourself that "She's made so many sacrifices for my brother and I" and even though you may not see it, she does love you. Affection can be expressed in many different ways and even though you say your mum doesn't seem to be sympathetic or understand your talks, it may just be that she is expressing her affection in a different way and she doesn't realise that you can't see that. Stick with it and keep going - with relationships patience and trust are absolutely key. It's clear you love your mum so keep showing it and don't be disheartened if you don't receive her love in the same way. I love my mum to bits but I hardly ever say "I love you", I tend to show it with my actions towards her - things I do for her, or with her - and she knows that.