Dear Mom,

I grew up fast. Faster than you could have ever wanted me to. I skinned my knees. I cried over a boy. I fought with you. I hugged you. I had happy times, I had bad times. When either happened, you were there for me. I know I might not say it enough, but you were right.

1. You were right when you told me I would miss home.

I've never actually admitted it but I do miss home sometimes. I miss my small town, I miss my little brother, I miss bonding with you while watching The Bachelor on the couch. Being away at college is fun and all but I'll admit to you now that I cry a little watching you drive away.

2. You were right that I can't do everything myself.

I try pretty hard to do it all by myself just because I think I can handle it and I want to be as self-sufficient as I can. But I can't. I'm still learning. I'll always be learning and your advice and help is very much needed. I should try to listen to it more and from now on I will.

3. You were right that some boys just weren't good for me.

You knew he would break my heart. You just knew it and you tried to save me from it but I never listened. I could have saved myself from so many horrible heartaches if I had just listened to you when you said you didn't approve. You have a wonderful sense of character and I kick myself now for being so pig-headed.

4. You were right that you are my biggest fan.

Every game, every performance, everything I did big or small, you were there cheering me on. That's why for every show I am in I save one comp ticket, just for you.

5. You were right when you said certain things don't look good on me.

"That doesn't go with that." "Ugh Molly...please don't wear that." "Please wear different shoes." Every time you said those things I would get mad and storm around the house claiming my right to self expression but every time, I listened. I changed after or I wish I had listened to you when I got to where ever I was going. I would never admit it of course, I'm too proud for that. Dammit stubbornness.

6. You were right that I spend too much money.

I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on my accounts now, however in high school, you were right. I have a zillion clothes that I never wore and that I should have never bought in the first place. I spent way too much money driving 45 minutes to see a guy that didn't care about me. You knew it.

7. You were right that I should have spent more time cooking with you.

I love your recipes. I love your cooking, even though you make hockey puck burgers, and sometimes the chicken is so dry I feel like I'm chewing on asphalt and the fire alarm goes off at least twice, I thoroughly enjoy every meal. Your killer mash and meatballs are to die for and even though I want The Mommy Cookbook from you when I graduate, I still wish I spent more time cooking with you, maybe I would enjoy it more if I had.

8. You were right that sometimes I am way too stubborn.

You taught me to be a fighter and to always stand up for what I believe in but sometimes I take it too far. Especially with you. I'm too stubborn to admit when I'm wrong in a fight. I fight too hard and don't want to quit. It is an admirable trait, but I'm still learning the balance between the good and the bad. Bear with me.

9. You were right that I am growing up too fast.

I wanted so bad to be 18 and out of the house. I couldn't wait for freedom, to be an adult. But adulting is hard. It's hard when you forget to make an appointment. When you have to pay for a new muffler for you car that you weren't expecting, or when you need insurance. Sometimes I wish I had spent more time being a kid than just wanting to grow up.

10. You were right when you tell me you love me.

I know that you love me. I know that you will always wish the best for me. I know you are trying your hardest and that you did the best that you could in raising me. You did a damn good job. I know it. I know I don't always show it, but I love you too. After every fight I spend so much time crying and asking myself what went wrong.

I'm in a tough spot in my life, I'm in college, I'm stressed, I'm anxious to be thrown into the "real world". I know I don't always seem to appreciate what you do and have done for me, but I can promise you that I do. I love you mom and I want you to know that you were right.