You were in your late 20's when I was born, but that doesn't mean we can't be best friends. You've taught me everything I need to know in order to send me out in to this great big world. From the first moment you held me to those little hugs you still always give me now. Thank you for being my very first best friend and teaching me all of these things, thank you for being my mother, but most of all thank you for...

1. ...Teaching me some people are only temporary.

Not everyone who enters my life is meant to stay. Some are here to teach me lessons, and others are here as a support system. Either way the friendships go, you taught me this.

2. ...Telling me to wait for the right one.

Don't give the time of day to a boy who will only pay attention to the size of your chest. They will later realize you were a woman to keep, but only when it is too late for them to realize they will never have you.

3. ...Supporting me through the hardest times.

You've supported me by my side for years. You were there for my first heartbreak, and you were there through family tragedy. You show me how to be strong and persevere when I feel like I just can't do it anymore.

4. ...Showing me what love really is.

Weekday nights watching a Netflix series in the living room while eating Hershey's chocolate together. After you both work long days to support our family, that is what love really is.

5. ...Teaching me that the smaller things in life are worth more.

It's not about how big the house is, it's about how much love the home can hold.

6. ...The little lessons you helped me learn.

I've spent money on things I don't need, have had car accidents, even spread myself too thin by putting too many things on my plate at one time. You've helped me learn that these things can and will happen, but to always learn from these mistakes to prevent them from happening again.

7. ...Always being the shoulder to cry on, even when I'm wrong.

I know I messed up, I know you told me to be careful and I know you'll still be there to comfort me when my world seems to be crumbling after whatever mistake I just made.

8. ...Always being my best friend.

You're always there when I need to talk about something. You always want to hear about the little things like how my grades are, how I'm feeling on a certain day, or simply just to talk to about anything that's going on in our lives. The time we spend together is precious and I never take it for granted. Every moment I spend with you just strengthens our relationship more and more each time.

I've been wanting to write this for a while, but I'm glad I held off and decided to write it during this time. Times are tough right now and sometimes even the strongest woman in my life needs a little pick-me-up especially from her daughter. You have been here for me over all of these years, now it's my turn to be by your side when I know you need it most.

I love you mommy. Xo.