This year, Thanksgiving happens to fall on my mom's birthday. As a tribute to her and how incredibly thankful I am for her, here are some lessons that she has taught me. A mother's knowledge is the most valuable and precious form of wisdom.

1. How to love wholeheartedly.

My mom has sacrificed so much for me: she came to every track meet, every award ceremony, she never ever missed anything. Even now as I am at college she still makes time to talk to me every single day.

After my triathlon, not only did my mom support me, but she also trained me.

2. How to live every day with a positive attitude.

My mom strives to enjoy life each day and make the best of what she has and who she is with.

From a mother-daughter date that we try to go on regularly.

3. Strength.

My mom is truly and incredibly physically fit. She has done marathons, triathlons, and she inspired my own love for running.

Stretching after one of her runs. Even when I was two years old, I wanted to be like her.

4. Perseverance.

Even after she got hit by a truck, my mom continues to compete, to run, to bike…if that isn't perseverance I don't know what is.

Winning her age group in a duathlon, post accident.

5. To remember your roots.

Growing up in a small town, my mom has shown me how to neglect the materiality of this world, and rather to cherish the outdoors and quality time spent with family and friends.

Being silly and enjoying the outdoors with friends from her hometown.

6. Not to take things too seriously.

She is always making sarcastic jokes to lighten the situation. There is nothing that she can't make into a joke.

I was supposed to be doing homework, but instead, I took funny selfless with my mom.

7. God has a plan.

She reminds me constantly not to stress, because God is in control, and no matter what, His plan will prevail.

The day my mom came home from the hospital, she was still so positive and she introduced me to the following verse:

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9, ESV

I love you Mom, and I am beyond thankful for you. Happy birthday!