Dear Mom,

You're probably just sitting down for the night on the couch next to dad, scrolling through Facebook like you do every night, and you see this post. You weren't expecting it, and you didn't ask for it, but it's here, just because.

I want to say thank you, mom. Thank you for never giving up on me, for giving me a shoulder to cry on, and for being my mom. I know there were times when you wanted to lock me in my room and never let me come out. I know there were times when you had to "set me straight" because I did something I definitely wasn't supposed to. I haven't always been the perfect child, but I have always been your child, and you've never let me forget that.

You brought me into this world.

You brought me into this world (and you constantly remind me you can take me out at any time). I am forever grateful for you and your endless support. If there was one person I could count on, it would be you. At the end of the day, no matter what situation I throw at you, you're there even when I cannot count on anyone else. I always look up and I see you standing beside me.

Thank you for the advice you've given me.

Thank you for the advice that you give me. I'll use it and continue to use it forever. You've taught me more than schoolbooks ever could, and you've taught me the power of my own voice. You've given me advice on countless things, and I remember them, even when I act like I don't.

Thank you for showing me I do not need anyone else.

Because of you, I know I am a confident, independent, thinking leader. I can do things on my own without the help of others. You have taught me that I am my own person and that no one can ever take that away from me, no matter how hard they try. Because of you, I know I can be happy on my own. I do not need to rely on others for happiness.

Thank you for showing me what unconditional love looks and feels like.

You've seen me at my highest and lowest points, yet you still manage to remind me how much you love me to the best of your ability. You made sure my siblings and I were taken care of at all times without a worry about yourself. You did so much and asked for so little in return, and that's what unconditional love truly is.

You've done so much more than a daughter could ask for and I hope that, one day, I can hopefully be half the woman you are. Thank you for being a constant in my life when some people were only temporary. I couldn't ask for a better support system than the woman I call Mom.

I love you, Mom.

Love, Your Daughter