Dear Mom,

It seems like yesterday I was crying on my first day of school, begging you not to leave me. I remember you holding in your tears as you knelt down and told me that you will always be there, even if you weren’t there physically. As I think about that day, and as I grow older, I've realized how easy it is to get caught in the twisted game of life. Between college, studying, working and trying to become my own person, I realized I never took the time to thank you, to tell you how much I love you, and that I am sorry for all the times I said “I hate you" I said when I was angry. So mom, this one is for you.

Thank You. I know these words mean so little in comparison to everything you do for me. Thank you for the countless hugs when I was having a bad day. Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on for when my best friend and I got into a fight. Thank you for putting me before yourself and buying that expensive bracelet that I talked nonstop about. But most importantly, thank you for playing both the mom and dad role. I know life has not been easy for the both of us, and there were times where you wished you had some help rather than doing it alone. But somehow you stuck it out and demonstrated to me that I can be anything I want to if I put my mind to it without the help of anyone.

I Love You To The Moon and Back. I know I don’t always show it, and that I am not always around to say it, but please know that I do love you. You are the most important and influential figure in my life and you will always be. Ever since I was little, you have been my hero, my inspiration, and I wish each and everyday that I, one day, will be like you. I know life for you wasn’t easy, and I didn’t make it any easier but just know that I appreciate everything you have sacrificed to get me to where I am today. As you always said to me when I was growing up, I love you to the moon and back.

I’m Sorry. I am sorry for all the times that I fought with you and told you that I hated you. Please know that I really didn’t mean the words that I said. Deep down I knew you were right but just said I hate you because I didn’t want to admit that I was wrong. I’m sorry I chose to go out with friends over spending a night watching a movie with you. But most importantly, I am sorry that I sometimes I lose sight of the things that matter the most. A lot of the time I don’t pay attention to the little things that you do for me. You deserve someone, especially now since I am away from home, that pays attention to all the times you go out of your way just to give me a better life. Although two little words can’t fix what happened in the past, I want you to realize that I am sorry for all the horrible things I say when I am angry and that I don’t mean them.

Mom, whether you know it or not, you mean the world to me. Sure there are times where we get under each other's skin, or when we fight over the littlest things, but please know that I appreciate everything you do. Thank you for being you.

Forever and Always,

Your Daughter