1. Manners

This may not seem like much, and growing up in the family that I did, manners honestly just seemed to be something everyone had. It was natural, and for a good portion of my life, I believed it was just human nature, something instilled into every person from birth. However, upon growing up, I’ve come to realize that manners actually aren’t all that common. The amount of people I’ve met without them; surpasses the amount I’ve met with them. So thank you for taking the time to make sure I was one of the ones in this world with manners.

2. Taking Care of Me When I was Sick.

Again this may seem like a small thing, and often many kids probably think it just comes with the title of being a mom, but as you get older she doesn’t have to really help you anymore. Once you’re at the age of getting things for yourself and knowing when you’re sick you really CAN take care of yourself. It’s always better when mom does it, though, and without any reluctance in doing so. This one I definitely miss now more than ever when I get sick at college because it really is just me myself and I. And who wants to get up to get things done and take care of themselves when they feel gross? The answer is no one.

3. My Education.

As annoying as school may be, and the amount of times I’ve complained over all of these years, my mom has always told me to keep going. And while the first 18 years may have been a requirement, these next 5 most definitely are not. Thanks for pushing me continuously to keep going when giving up is obviously the easier option now that furthering my education is optional.

4. Being my first and only true Best Friend.

My very first friend in this life was my mom, and as time has gone on, she’s come to be my very best one. Clearly, when the roles of mom and friend are put together it’s bound to get messy, and it has. However, I think that having her as my best friend has some perks that my other friends just can’t compete with. I know a lot of people say their mothers’ over supporting them, or the old phrase of “you’re just saying that because you’re my mom.” is a constant throughout one’s life. But I know that with my mom, she doesn’t just say things because she’s my mom. She says things that can be hard for me to hear because I really need to hear them. She always offers her two cents even when I don’t ask for it, just so she knows she did her part in trying to guide me in the right direction. She’s actually there 24/7, and maybe this is the only part that I can say is because she’s my mom, but I appreciate it. My late night texts and calls now that I’m in college and away from her are more important now than ever before. The best part of having her as my best friend is always knowing where I stand with her. With anyone else in the world I don’t truly know if they’ll always have my best interest at heart, but with her, I don’t even have to question it, she always will.

5. Being my Safe Haven.

A safe haven is typically a place of safety and refuge. My mom has always been and will continue to be my safe haven. No matter how much anxiety, stress, and difficulty I face in this life she is always there to pick me back up. Even if we were arguing prior to, if I need her she will put anything aside to ensure I’m okay. When I feel hopeless and like everything in my life is going wrong my mom is the number one person I go to, whether she believes it or not. And even though I don’t always want your advice, when I go on and on ranting to you about how horrible my day has been, I still appreciate it, despite how it may seem. I do like you giving me your advice and even though I don’t always listen to it, you are usually right. I guess you really do just have to let me live and learn for myself, but I still thank you for trying to tell me beforehand. Thank you for always being strong for me when I can’t do it for myself anymore. Without you, I really wouldn’t have been able to be where I am today, and who I am today. You carried me for months, brought me into this world, and continue to nurture and care for me to this day. I don’t know anyone else greater than you, and I’m aware I don’t say that enough. So thank you for all of these things and the many other things you’ve done for me over the course of my life. I hope to be half the mom you are one day.

I love you always.