My mom recently was in a car accident. She called me and told me what happened, and I immediately began to freak out and think about literally every time I was a brat or wasn't appreciative. So this ones for you momma. There are obviously way more than ten things that I could thank you for, but here are the ones that I do not think I say enough.

Thank you for...

1. Being the strict parent

I hated having a curfew in high school, and hated that I was never allowed to go to bonfires with my friends. Now that I am older, I am so grateful that I didn't have the "full high school experience". I am grateful that you pushed me to do my best in school and I am now 19 years old working on my associates in science and nursing. It's going to be pretty rad being a 21 year old nurse, and I owe it all to you for pushing me so hard.

2. Working hard to always provide the best for me

No matter what it was that I needed, you always made sure I had it. Whether it was a pair of volleyball shoes or a shirt that I absolutely "needed". I am so grateful for that, because now that I am adulting I am realizing how expensive things actually are.

3. Teaching me that I do not need anyone in my life who doesn't want to be apart of it

I remember crying one day because I got my heartbroken and you said to me "Do you really want to be with someone who is going to do this to you?" It took me awhile to stop reaching out to people where there was only a one sided relationship. If people want to be apart of their life, they will put in effort.

4. Always putting me over yourself

I honestly never thought about this as something I should be thankful for because, hello, you're my mother. I thought you were "supposed" to do that. But over the years I have realized how blessed I am to actually have a parent who does this, because all parents do not do this. So thank you, mom, for going above and beyond for me, always.

5. How to be a strong, independent woman

You have taught me that I can do absolutely anything. You have taught me that I don't need anyone to succeed in life. You have also taught me that I can and will get through whatever I come in contact with.

6. Teaching me the best things in life aren't things

You taught me that being respectful, compassionate, honest, polite, and kind is more important than any thing that I own. And I will always be appreciative of that. I am thankful for the sign in our living room that forever reminds me of this when I need it.

7. Supporting me in everything I do

It does not matter whether I wanted to join the circus or if I wanted to be a surgeon, I knew you would have my back 100%. And that means more to me than you will ever know. I know I am so indecisive with what I want, but thank you for being patient with me.

8. Allowing me to experience what it is like to travel the world

I remember driving down the road in Mexico and seeing people living in cardboard boxes. I saw children running around in nothing but their underwear. I heard such incredible stories about people's lives. I never really thought about how truly lucky I was to live where I do or how lucky I even was to be able to drink tap water. There is something so incredible to be surrounded by new people and new things.

9. Teaching me how important it is to respect others

Okay, really the only thing I think I need to say here is thank you for not raising me to act like the "How Bow Dah" girl.

10. When things get hard, pray

I know I have never told you this, but thank you for sending me to a private Catholic school. You always told me I would appreciate it some day, and of course you were right. Growing up I did not love going to church three times a week, or knowing church songs more than I knew songs on the radio. But, now I am thankful that I know more bible verses than I do song lyrics. I know you love when I casually sing church songs at the top of my lungs. Don't lie, girl. I am also so thankful for the relationship that I have with God. I am so thankful for the friendships that turned into family that school/church brought me. I know that if I need anything at all, one of them will always come through. Thank you for being the reason that I have such a close relationship with God.

Thank you for being my rock. I love you more than I can even explain.