Throughout my childhood and teenage years I knew my mother was special, but I didn’t realize how special she was until I went off to college and moved away from her. As I have grown older, I seem to have forgotten about the people who got me where I am, and I sometimes take for granted how lucky I am to have such a strong female in my life. So Mom, this one is for you.

Dear Mama,

I want to start off by telling you that you are appreciated. I know I don’t always show you how much I appreciate you, but I do. You have always been so special to me; as I have gotten older I have realized that you are my hero. I know life has been really hard, but you still seem to keep that beautiful smile on your face. You have sacrificed so much in your life to raise Logan, Emalee, Megan and me and it means more to us than you will ever know.

I want to say you are strong. You are strong because even though you got pregnant with me and had to drop out of college, you went on after having my three siblings and ended up getting your college degree. You are strong because you were married for 20 years and three years ago when Dad and you split up, it was the lowest point of our life and somehow you got us all through it. You are strong because when I told you I am gay, our life continued on the same way it always was. You are strong because I know we have had financial hardships and being a single mother isn’t easy, but you have given me everything that I have needed and wanted. You are strong because you are having health issues, but you still keep pushing on and still keep going for your children.

I want to say thank you. Those two words mean so little compared to every little thing it is that you have done for me. Thank you for the endless rides to everywhere I need and want to be. Thank you for the countless hugs. Thank you for all those Friday nights that you spent watching movies with me. Thank you for the smiles and the laughter. Thank you for pushing me to do my very best in everything that I do. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for accepting me for who I am. Thank you for everything, Mom.

I want to say sorry. I am sorry for the times I have disappointed you. I am sorry for the times that I have fought with you. I am sorry for the times I have hung up on you. I am sorry for all the times I have kept you worrying. I am sorry for all the times I didn’t listen to you. I am sorry that I haven’t always been the best that I can be.

I think that everyone could learn something from you, Mom, because you have raised me the same way I want to raise my children. You are honestly the sweetest and most caring person I know. You have the biggest heart.

No, I didn't get the name brand clothes. I didn't get the newest phone. I didn't get to go out to eat all the time. But, I got more than that. I got strength, motivation, support, unconditional love and so many other things.

Mom, if I am half the person you are someday, then I know I will be an amazing person. I love you, Mom.

Love always,

Alisha