Dear Mom,

Over the past few years I’ve come to the realization that the time I spend with family members has become so minimal – in some cases even nonexistent. Nowadays I'm busy hanging out with my friends, studying, working, or just chilling in my room watching Netflix. Being in college and so distant from home, I seem to have forgotten about the people who have gotten me to where I am today. I’ve especially forgotten about the one person who has shaped me into the person I’ve become — you.

Throughout my teenage years, I know I was a handful. I made your life more stressful than it should have been. But I want you to know that all of the backtalk and all of the sass was a mistake. I should have never treated you how I did, and I want to apologize for all of the hurt I’ve caused and all of the pain I’ve put you through because you sure as hell didn’t deserve any of it.

I am sorry for all the times I was stubborn and impossible when I thought I was right. I should have listened to you when you told me that I shouldn’t do something because in the end you were always right and I was always wrong -- usually.

I am sorry for all the times I got annoyed when you made me check in when I was out with friends. I should have been grateful and realized that you care so much about me — enough to want to make sure that I am safe at all times.

I am sorry for the times I chose to hang out with my friends and to participate in other non-important activities over you. I should have realized that you are the only one who will be by my side until the day I die and you should always come before everyone and everything else.

I am sorry for all the times I didn’t do what you told me to do right when you told me to do it. I should have immediately done everything you ask me to do because now I know that when you said “now” you said it for a reason.

I am sorry for the times that I let you down. You are my number one supporter and you put all of your faith in me. I should have tried harder because I know that you just want what’s best for me.

I am sorry for all of the times I fought with you. I should have just shut my mouth. I never meant to start a fight with you when you told me I couldn’t go out because you wanted to spend some quality time together.

I am sorry for all the times I uttered those dreaded three words — “I hate you.” I never even meant it. I was just mad at you for being right.

Most importantly, I am sorry that I have not said "thank you" and "I love you" enough. I should have told you how much you truly mean to me because you deserve to know that you will always have someone who loves you endlessly. I want to give you the world and show you it all, and one day I hope I can be half as good of a mom as you are. Thank you for inspiring me to be the woman I am today. I love you.

With infinite love,

Your apologetic daughter