Being a mom is arguably the hardest job on Earth, but you make it look so easy and do it with such enjoyment. For so many years you were a stay at home mom, always getting me from school right on time which not everyone can achieve. You are the best mom a kid could ask for.

You were patient when I would go through things. Although high school had many more downs instead of ups, you never failed to be there for me. You felt every bit of frustration that I felt which looking back on it I wish I could've shielded that from you.

If there is anything I want to do, you always make it your mission to make that happen. From paying those insanely expensive Halloween Horror Nights tickets to going to Universal even though you are NOT a rollercoaster person, you never wanted to have me miss out. From all those hours at the dance studio, because you refused to just drop me off to spend your spring break coming to see me at college, you were always there.

When I started forming my music taste you would let me play whatever I wanted in the car, eventually loving my bands more than I did. When concerts would roll around, you'd be who I went with if dad didn't feel like it. You would make the effort to learn as many songs as you could beforehand and when the concert came around, you would even scream and be more excited than I was.

You've taught me the importance of presence. To be there for everything you can be and always do your best at whatever you do. You taught me that there is strength in standing up for yourself rather than trying to be nice all the time. To value myself over whatever others may think. You taught me the importance of organization and yes I am still messy but I promise I'm more organized now.

When I left for college, you were the hardest goodbye. I know dad missed me, but for my whole life, your schedule revolved around me. When I left there was a certain emptiness which I knew you felt by the amount of FaceTime calls I got that first semester.

You are the reason I learned independence. Moving to school I realized just how much you did for me. I had to navigate this whole new experience without the person who experienced every new thing with me for my whole life. Seeing you take up all your new hobbies with no one's input but your own prepared me for that moment, whether you realized it or not.

I'm thankful to have had such a strong and independent mom in my life. I wish I could do better as a way to repay you, but I know you're proud of me regardless. All I can do is thank you for being the best mom a girl could ever wish for.