Hey Mom,

I'm pretty sure the last time I wrote something to you that wasn't a text message may have been in elementary school. It's because of this fact, I wanted to take the time to write to you today and tell you just how overwhelmingly thankful I am to have you in my life. I know I haven't made your life easy, but you have fought tooth and nail to make sure you made mine that way. I know we've had some ups and downs mainly due to the crazy roller coaster that is raising a independent teenager. But all the struggle is not for naught because you have made me the blossoming young adult that I have become, and I could only ever hope to continue to make you proud. Before I can move along in the life you so kindly molded for me, I must tell you some things that I know you don't hear often enough.

Thank you. Please know that I mean that. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for being there for everything from the flu to anxiety attacks and never once complaining about it. Thank you for being so strong for our family when all you wanted to do was collapse. Thank you for being a a courageous, kind, and beautiful woman to look up to from the time I was born and for all the years to come. Thank you for teaching me to become who I am and being patient when I lose my footing. As I get older I realize just how much you do for me, and not just because it's your job as a mother, but because you genuinely and sincerely want to give me the world. And I don't ever think I could thank you enough for that.

I'm sorry and please know that I'm sincere. I'm sorry for being a real jerk sometimes, I'm not proud of the things I've said or done that have hurt you. I'm sorry for not letting you unpack all of my things each year when I move back to college. I'm sorry for not holding your hand as we walked around the local carnival. I'm sorry for snapping at you when I get overwhelmed or worked up about something that isn't even your fault. I'm sorry that as I become a busier and busier adult I have less time to spend with you, and as I look back I wish I would have spent the free time I had with you more often. I have never meant to hurt you, but I know that I have because I often times only think about myself. Yet, you continued unconditionally loving me through my arrogance.

I love you and please know I will never stop saying this. I love you more than words could ever express. I love you for making me my favorite meals when I come home for the weekend. I love you for teaching me right from wrong. I love you for never giving up, because if we're being honest with each other, I was hard to love sometimes. So from me to you, please know I love you so purely and with my whole heart even when I don't say or show it.

I can say in all honesty that no matter where I go or what I do, home will always be with you. I love you, Mom.

Love,
Your baby