Dear Mom,

I want to start out by saying that I love you and thank you. Thank you for being one of the best role models of what a strong independent woman looks like. From such a young age, you determined what you wanted to do and you went for it. You have been the most stable and consistent thing in my life and I don't think I can thank you enough for that.

Thank you for giving me the best childhood I could have asked for. Some of my fondest memories include the fun things you let me do as a kid. Christmas cookie decorating, letting me stay up late to watch "America's Most Wanted" on Saturday nights and letting me sleep in your bed whenever Dad went away on his fishing trips. All of these memories, and more, I will remember for years to come. Thanks for making things fun and keeping me busy. From girl scouts to soccer practice you always made sure I was entertained. There was a lot of time and effort put into driving me all over town from school, to soccer, to dance class, to girl scouts and making sure we ate dinner sometime in between those. I realize that it's not an easy task and you didn't have to do those things for me but you did, and I am so grateful for that.

I also want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry I chose to pick a fight when we didn't see eye to eye. I'm sorry I was never able to recognize that you always put us first. I'm sorry I chose to blame you for things out of your control. Most of all, I am sorry that I never realized the sacrifices you've made for us all the time. These past few years have not been easy for us all and I appreciate you loving and supporting me through it all despite my attitude at times. You have exemplified the utmost strength and resilience in the most trying of situations. Whenever a bump in the road appeared you saw and conquered and proved that things do get better.

The last thing that I want to say is that I'm going to miss you. Going back to school is a fun and exciting time, but it is always bittersweet leaving your mom. I'll miss your hugs, your cooking, our backyard tanning sessions and everything about being home with you. I love you, Mom, and I hope you know that.