When you're younger you hope to never be like your parents, but the older you get the more you realize how great they really are. I used to say "I never want to be like my mom when I grow up" but over the years I've seen some of her characteristics in me. I've realized that my mom is a great woman and I would love to be just like her for many reasons.

1. She is so strong

I've probably only seen my mom cry two times in my whole life. She is always there for everyone else when bad things happen, and always stays strong for everyone else, especially me and my sister.

2. She is so patient

I'm not quite sure how she does it but she remains patient always. She could wait in a line for 2 hours and not complain once. She's patient with her coworkers and family when they need her help but aren't catching on, which we all know could be very difficult.

3. She has such a good work ethic

She has probably taken 5 sick days that I'm aware of and all of them we had to convince her to take. She doesn't believe in missing work unless it's necessary. Her work ethic doesn't end when she leaves work; her job continues when she comes home and makes dinner for our family every night. She always made sure my sister and I had dinner on the table by 5 and that our homework was done when we were younger. She also would do a few loads of laundry at night.

4. She is quick to forgive

Her temper is short and she forgives people almost instantly. She never holds a grudge and this is definitely something I want to be able to do someday.

5. She is always on time (usually early)

This is something I already got from my mom. She always said when I was younger "Better early than late" and I follow that to this day. She always makes us leave 5 minutes earlier than we need to just in case something happens.

6. She's a good listener

She's always there for me when I need to vent. She listens without interrupting, then at the end will give me some advice, which is always the right thing to do. The saying "Mother knows best" is definitely true for my mom.

7. She's always encouraging

She's constantly telling me I could do better or that I'm doing a great job. She knows what I'm capable of and holds me to that standard. She expects the best from me, because she knows I expect the best from myself. She's constantly encouraging me to better myself and to always keep learning new things.

8. She is selfless

She is always willing to drop whatever she's doing for anyone who needs her, even if she barely knows them. She's constantly giving to people, whether it'd be clothes, or time; she doesn't care. She just wants the best for everyone.

9. Her love never ends

She loves me regardless of all the times I let her down, made a mistake or made her mad. She loves me endlessly and I love her the same, or maybe more.

Thank you mom for showing me how great of a person I am capable of being, constantly pushing me to be my best, and showing me through your everyday actions how to be successful and loving just like you. I love you.