Dear Mom,

Now that I am older, I appreciate all that you do for me a whole bunch more. I appreciate all the little things from the random facebook tags of images of cats and penguins to the millions of photos and to our long walk and talks. Now that I am older and living semi on my own, I have looked back and realized that I am who I am today because of you. You have made me the strong woman I am today. You gave me the guidance I needed, even when I couldn’t see it. Now that I am away at college, I don’t get to see you as often but it just makes me appreciate the time we have together even more. I miss you waking me up for school and making dinner, I miss our trips to the grocery store and our hour long visits to Target. I miss baking cookies and eating half the tray and I miss watching our shows together.

“Just when I think I have it all figured out, I talk to you and I see things in a whole new light. That’s why you’re so important to me. You know when to say what I need to hear and when to let me find my own way, when to share a laugh and when only a hug will do. The older I get the more I appreciate the difference you make in my life.”

So I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for…

1. The countless rides to and from all of my activities, whether it was dance or softball or drama club or volleyball. Thank you for taking me to the endless appointments and for our countless trips to Shriners because while I wasn’t aware of it then, we made some pretty awesome memories.
2. For teaching me how to be selfless and caring. You have shown me that even though we may be in tough spots in our lives, somewhere there is somebody else who has it worse than us. You have shown me that a mother gives whatever she can to her children in order to give them a life better than her own, even if she is left with nothing.
3. For teaching me to never give up. I wouldn't be where I am with my art today if it wasn't for you.
4. For your constant guidance and being my biggest fan. You were there when I wanted to try new things, to cheer me on and to help me when I fell. You supported me with whatever I wanted to do and whoever I wanted to be. You were there for me for every little thing, from dance recitals and competitions to birthday parties and award ceremonies and anything in between. You taught me right from wrong and when to always look for a bright side.
5. For everything you have done and will do for me. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. We've had our ups and downs and our fair share of disagreements, but I wouldn't trade any of it for anything in the world. I am a lucky girl to have a mother like you.

Love,

Your princess