Dear Mom,

Since it is now past your little shindig your amazing coworkers threw for you for serving 41 years and I officially made you happy by saying a few words in front of a room full of people that I barely knew, I wanted to actually write something for you from me, myself, and I.

I am amazed by you in every way possible. How did you begin working for such an amazing company at such a young age while taking night classes and somehow still have good self-care to not crash through all that stress? That alone pushes me through college. Along with dad, you have provided me with ten times more than your parents tried to provide for you and I cannot thank you enough. It is clear to see that you matured at such a young age. You knew what you needed to do to improve yourself when you went through bad times. I see more than ever, where I now get that from.

As you married dad and began our family, you somehow managed working, cooking, cleaning, taking care of two kids, along with taking care of grandmom and providing her a place to live so she wasn't alone. In so many ways, you are so selfless. Even though dad did help of course, with the stories you have told me, I see that you are and have always been very independent and ambitious to give yourself a good life without the help of a man by your side.

While also showing me it is important to love your job and strive in wherever I end up working, you have also managed to teach me family and love is more important and that time spent with the people you love is never wasted time. You taught Frankie along with I how to balance work and play throughout your years of work, which I am definitely using in college. With the friends you have made through work, you also showed me how friendships can be made anywhere with anyone and that while working with someone who causes drama may be stressful, sometimes you have to just let go and focus on the bigger picture.

So thank you, thank you for teaching me everything from the importance of love to having an amazing work ethic. You deserve a lifetime of stress-free days after you retire. I love you more!

Love,

Your favorite daughter