Dear Mom,

I know I don't say this enough, but thank you. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me. For giving me food to eat, putting a roof over my head and being there when no one else was. Over the span of elementary school, middle school, and high school I've come to realize that you are the only person that I can fully put my trust in. You know me better than anyone else and you always know when something is wrong. Saying thank you doesn't justify how blessed I am and how much I appreciate everything that you have done for me.

I was always so confused as to why you did things the way you did and why we did certain things differently, but now I know why. You wanted us kids to have a good future for ourselves, and that's exactly what I'm getting. You've made me want to become successful so I can give you what you deserve. Growing up you always put us kids first, which that's what every mother does. You always made sure we had what we needed, even if that meant you had to go without. The guidance of a mother is so important in a child's life, especially mine. I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't have your guidance and support in everything that I do. When I look at you, I see the person I am and so much more. I hear your laugh when I laugh when I look into the mirror I see so many features of yours that I carry, and so many other things.

You've taught me to become an independent, loving and caring woman. You have shown me what really matters in life and how to enjoy every second of every day. You have held my hand and picked me up when things got tough. You've been there for some of my toughest times, and you always let me cry on your shoulder. You made me realize that I need to love myself before I love anyone else, because if I invest myself into someone, there's always that possibility that they're just going to walk away one day and I'm going to feel like I have nothing left of me. You were right, and you always are. I know I can always depend on you, for anything. What I'm trying to say is that you've done a great job of raising me, because look where I am. I graduated, moved to a whole new place, and I'm heading into my freshman year of college. You always remind me of how proud you are, and hearing that from you just pushes me to do even better things. I'm following my dreams because of you. You've given me the strength to push myself to strive for greatness and to believe that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I believe in myself now, more than I ever have before and I have you to thank for that.

One thing that I know for sure is that I love you, more than anything in the world. Whether I'm right next to you, or 2,000 miles away. I'll always love you, and I'll always be thankful for your help in getting me through this crazy thing I call life.

Love always,

Your daughter.