Dear Mom,

You have always been there for me as a companion, a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. You have been a role model to me even when you do not realize it. Scientists say that the first people we learn from and are influenced by are our parents, but that learning never ends. I will always be watching you and learning from you. You will always be the first person that I go to whenever I need guidance and support.

I know that there are times when I am stubborn, and I do not want to listen to what you have to say. I am growing up and becoming my own person and sometimes it is difficult to admit when I need help. I may not always want to accept the advice that you give, but I have come to realize that you are usually right. I do not tell you how much I love and care about you as much as you deserve to hear it. Even though I do not always say it, please know that I will always love and care about you. Watching you has had a greater impact on my life than you may ever realize. I was so busy growing up that I did not always realize that you have grown, too.

I have watched the wonderful woman who raised me grow into the strong, independent and selfless person you are today. You are the one who taught me to have love, patience and courage. I know that there are times when it is difficult for you to watch me grow up. As you watch me become more independent, sometimes you may feel like I do not need you anymore. The truth is, I will always need you. There will never be a time in my life that I do not need my mother. You have taught me things that I did not know I needed to be taught, and given me gifts that I will never be able to repay. I appreciate you and everything you have given me. I have no idea what I would do without you.

There comes a time in our lives when we realize that our parents are not perfect, but I think that those imperfections are the best thing about you. It is because you are not perfect that you have learned to fix things when they go wrong and help me when I need to fix things in my own life. It is because you are not perfect that instead of trying to be perfect, I strive to be the best person I can possibly be.

I promise to love you unconditionally and be there for you if ever there is a time that you need me. You are the most important person in my life. You are special, important, and intelligent and I am sorry if there is ever a day that I do not say those words to you or make you feel like they are true. Thank you for the advice you have given me, the lessons you have taught me and the love you have shown me. You are the reason that I have grown into the person I am today.

Thank you,

Your Loving Daughter