Dear Mom,

Thank you for being such a leader. You strive for success even when nobody is watching and there is not a second in the day that you are not working to make Zach's, Ellie's, or my life better. You are a role model when it comes to work ethic and you have taught me that there is nothing a woman cannot achieve.

Maddie Wiygul

I have watched alongside your setbacks, but your relentless drive has carried you through but brought you back to the top every time. Being away has made me realize how strongly you have influenced who I am. All my life I wanted to be different and rebel against what you told me was right; here is the day I am admitting that everytime you said mothers know best, you were right.

You have seen and been through experiences that make you such a wise woman in so many different ways and I regret rejecting so much of your wisdom for so long.

Thank you for showing me that opportunity is everywhere. At school, I make my bed and put on mascara with your voice in the back of my head telling me to always be ready because you never know what the day can bring. I cannot tell you how many times I have silently thanked your efforts when something big happened and I was actually put together. When I feel like I cannot do something,

I know that you would be disappointed if I gave up. I know you wouldn't be disappointed in the overbearing-mother type-of-way, but rather a disappointment in that I did not keep working at it with persistence and determination to succeed. You break every standard and every barrier: you are beautiful, you are smart, you are talented, you are outgoing and fun, and you are independent and strong.

My last point, something I thought I would never say, is thank you for being my go-to person and best friend. Even though it started as just something to do while walking to class, I find myself calling you everyday to share something about my life--even before I text or SnapChat anyone else about it. I secretly admire your advice and want you to know what is happening in my life more than anything. You make me laugh with your dramatic stories that weren't supposed to be funny in the first place, and it makes me feel not so far from home hearing about what is going on around the house.

Thank you, Mom. Moms are so important. I love you!

Maddie

Maddie Wiygul