"If I know what love is, it is because of you." -Herman Hesse

I always remember you asking me what I wanted to be when I was older. When I was in elementary school my answers ranged from a vet to a princess. When I was in middle school it was someone who rescued animals. When I was in high school I was torn between being a teacher or back to being a vet. As I enter my second year of college I realize my answer is much different then what I have told you in the past. Now that I'm older, I can clearly see that I want to be you.

Dear Mom,

I want to start this with a simple "I love you." You are the most important woman in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. You're my best friend, my rock, my other half but, most importantly, my role model. You sacrificed so much to be able to give me the world, and I know it got hard but you never gave up on us.

I wish I could have the strength you do, Mom. To raise me and finish growing up at the same time was tough on you, but you kept pushing for us. I know you cry and get mad at the world, but you always put on a smile for me. You taught me joy. All those late nights I went out to parties, or I forgot to text you when I got to a friends house in the middle of the night, I know you were worried and upset with me, but you still told me it was okay and you loved me. You taught me love. You always told me to dream big and know that I'm not the best at everything, and that's totally okay! You lovingly told me to be grateful for what I have and not to brag. You told me it's okay to make mistakes. You taught me to be humble.

In essence, you taught me to be you. You are a strong, joyful, loving and humble woman. I know you always say to "be myself," and I am, but in many ways I see you in the person I am today.

So thank you, Mom. Thank you for waking up on your day off to take care of me when I was sick. Thank you for showing me that everywhere I travel will always be a home to me. Thank you for giving me constant wanderlust. Thank you for FaceTiming me while I was getting ready for class or procrastinating doing my Chem homework until a few hours before it was due. Thank you for letting me cry on your shoulder when I felt lost. Thank you for celebrating my victories with me. Thank you for being my best friend and pushing me to do my best. Thank you for being my cheerleader through it all. Without you, I have no idea where I'd be. Most importantly, thank you for being my favorite person to look up to.

I hope you understand that no matter how old I get, I will always need my mommy. Words can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for you. I love you to the moon and back.

Love, your biggest fan.