Mom,

Let me first start by acknowledging the fact that you are entitled to so much more than a puny online article on this Mother's Day. You, of all people, deserve nothing short of the whole world as an expression of my profound gratitude and appreciation for all that you do, but unfortunately, I am merely a college student who has been living off of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the past few months due to my lack of funds, and because of this, my options for a satisfactory gift are terribly limited. Though a sufficient tangible endowment for you is ultimately unattainable, I am hoping that the words of this letter can serve as a mushy and lovable substitute for the extravagant present that you are unquestionably worthy of.

As I look back on my almost 20 years of life, there is a scattered sum of highly definitive memories that are at the forefront of my consciousness. Like, for example, the time that I broke my wrist after trying to learn how to ride a bike without using the handlebars, and the time that I had to sleep with my hair in rags in order to accomplish the always desired "Shirley Temple" look for a dance competition the next morning. The first time I made a basket during one of my middle school basketball games, and the moment I was picked up from home to go to my high school prom. These are just a few illustrations of the dominant recollections that flood my mind when I reflect on the duration of my existence. These are the times that built and molded me into the individual that I am today; the ones that make my heart surge with feelings of sentimentality whenever a glimpse of their picture finds its way into my attention; and you were there for all of them.

You were there for every broken bone and every dance competition. Every middle school basketball game and every hectic errand that was required to accomplish an exceptional prom night. But, not only were you just there in each one of these pivotal reminders, but you were the one who encouraged them. You were the one who heartened my then-paramount and youthful dreams by emboldening your support and increasing my sense of bravery. You invariably reassured and strengthened my spirit, and comforted me in times of defeat by recognizing that one's failure does not define one's self-worth.

As I have grown and transitioned into my different stages of life, your affection and inspiration have remained uninterrupted and unbroken. In times when I am presumed to have all of my ducks in a row while planning for a mature and sophisticated lifestyle, you are the one providing faith and consolation when the course is excessively overwhelming.

You have taught me what it means to have a strong mentality and a gentle nature. You have shown me what it is to administer pure love and devotion without reward. You have been a beautiful example of being unapologetically yourself, and it is one of your various lessons that I hold dearest to my heart.

I could not, and would not, be who I am today without you.

I love you to the moon and back,

Your daughter