To my dearest mother,

I know that I have often told you that I love you, but have I ever told you my complete feelings for you? How I really, truly feel about you?

Over the past few years, you have become the first girlfriend I have ever had. I have never related well to other girls, as you know. I never really grew up having many friends - I'd say that I still don't have many close friends. Now that I'm older, I am very thankful that I get to call you my friend. Thank you for waiting to be my friend until I was older. I may not have liked all the discipline at the time, but I greatly appreciate the boundaries now.

You are my rock when I have a problem. If I don't talk to Seth about an issue, you are the one I'm calling. You're the person I text late at night just because I can't handle listening to Robyn cry and I need someone to tell me that she'll be OK crying herself to sleep. You are my go to whine companion when things don't go well - which often leads to being wine companions. :)

You are my best role model. I often think, "If I can be half the mother my mom is, my children will be so lucky." It's true. I can't think of a better mother than you, and I hope my children have that as well. I want them to look up to me as much as I look up to you. Your kindness and patience are an inspiration not only to me, but many others as well.

You are strong. I wish I had the ability to go through life with a smile on my face, even in the face of what seems like defeat. I have always admired how you carry yourself in negative situations. You care about others before yourself - sometimes to a fault. But I promise to be here to care for you in those times.

I miss you. It's funny how we can grow up thinking that our parents are overbearing and we can't wait to get away to college or the next step of our lives. Every day I think about how much I wish you lived closer and how much I would love having dates every week if you did.The silliest things remind me of you and make me miss you more. For example - baking your cereal hash over Christmas Break, or seeing a Barbie in a checkout lane.

I am so lucky to have you in my life. God graced me with a loving, caring mother. He also blessed me with the sweetest, selfless best friend. No matter how many miles separate us, no matter what time of day, no matter what's happening in life, I will always be in your heart. And I will carry you in mine.

Love always,

Bears