Dear Mom,

From the days of you dressing me in little pink dresses and frilly white socks to now me being twenty and a junior in college 700 miles away, we have grown so much in our relationship. You have always been my biggest supporter and greatest source of happiness. I am so thankful for all you do and love you so much.

Although to say that our relationship has been smooth sailing would be laughable, I look back on those teenage years in amazement that you never just left me out on the streets to fend for myself. I wish I could go back and take back all those hurtful things I said. I look back and cringe at some of those arguments, but also look back and laugh about how silly some of them seem now. Those years were some of the most trying times in our relationship.

I never fully told you how much I appreciated you and never realized how much I needed you until my first year in college. I remember the day you left and I realized I would not be seeing you until Thanksgiving. That’s when it hit me. You had given me everything. Without you I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today.

You are not only my mom, but also my best friend. I know I can always count on you. When I have an awful day and just need someone to listen, you’re there. When I don’t remember what cycle to wash certain clothes on, I know I can always call you. And then when I accidently turn my white shorts pink, you’re there to tell me I should have listened to you before. When my smoke detector starts beeping at midnight and I need someone to call because I don’t know what to do, I know you will answer. When I get great news about something, you are always the first person I want to tell. You are always there for me. You are my person.

Your unconditional love and support keeps me going everyday. In everything I do, I think of you and try to make you proud. Your strength continually amazes me. You deal with so much and yet ask for so little. You are so selfless and giving. If I can be half the mother you are someday, I would be so thankful. I hope I can have kids who look up to me just as much as I have looked up to you.

Thank you for being there when no one else was. Thank you for always believing in me when no one else did. Thank you for being my mom.

Love always,

Your little girl