To my Mom,

Each year when Mother’s Day rolls around, I always find myself at a loss for what to say to you. How can you thank someone for every single moment of your life? Without you, there would be no life itself. How can I thank you for supporting me every single day for almost 19 whole years? I don’t know if I can but I sure as hell will try.

Thank you, Mom, for supporting all of my passing hobbies and interests.

Thank you for coming to every single show, concert, match, game and meet of mine while I was growing up.

Thank you for encouraging me to try my hardest in school, to attempt seemingly un-achievable goals, and for inspiring me to be the best I can be.

Thank you for working hard to provide for me and my siblings.

Thank you for sacrificing everything so that we could be happy.

Thank you for helping me go to college.

Thank you for your acceptance, your never-wavering love, and your daily optimism. Without it, who knows where I would be today.

Mom, I know I don’t show it enough, but I am so thankful for you. You are my real-life superhero! I love you to the moon and back.

To my Grandmothers,

Mom-mom and Grandma, you two aren’t around anymore and time has seemingly healed the open wound on my heart. I still think about you, although, time is beginning to wear on my memory. I wanted to thank you, for raising my parents to the best of your ability. I know that you both had it rough but made it the best scenario you could. You raised two wonderful adults who provided me a warm, loving home. I also want to thank you for the impact you had on my life. Mom-Mom, it’s been 15 years since you passed away, but I know that you loved me and all of your grandchildren. Stories of you keep your memory alive. Grandma, playing games with you was always my favorite memory. We would play hide-the-button and never get bored of it. I wish you didn’t have to go so soon. I have so many stories to tell you both when we meet again.

To my Aunts,

Our family is truly special, although I’m sure you already know that. You both are amazing mothers to your children and amazing Aunts to your nieces and nephews. You are funny, kind, caring and patient. You’ve raised my cousins with a natural grace that cannot be replicated and they have grown up to become truly unique, responsible, hilarious, talented and determined individuals. You’ve also been ever-present in my life, as well as my siblings' lives. Thank you for always showing us the true meaning of family. And, thank you for taking care of us and always having your doors and arms wide open.

To my best-friends' Moms,

It is one thing to be a great mother to your children, but a whole different thing to be a mother to your children’s best friends. Thank you for adopting me into your family and treating me like your own. That includes scolding me when I get out of line! You’ve made it so that I am lucky enough to have more than one place to call home. You’ve consoled me when I’m upset and laughed with me when I am jubilant. You’ve raised your own kids to be amazing individuals, and I am lucky enough to call them my best friends. Thank you for your hard work, your acceptance, and your passion. I am lucky to have you in my life.

Happy Mother’s Day to every Mom out there!