Dear Mom,

As I grow older, everything just seems to fly by faster and faster. While I see the world changing around me, I often forget to step back and see that the world is changing around you too. You have seen me give my first breath and it is hard to believe that at 19 years old, my life is still only just beginning. While you have raised me into the strong woman I am today, it took an even stronger woman to get me to this point. The first couple decades of my life couldn't have been any better, all thanks to you.

I can recall countless random memories that I'm not sure if you even remember. The days where I would be super excited because you would let me have a "picnic" in the living room, which consisted of me sitting on my quilt, watching my most recent obsession on the television, and eating your (and now my) favorite type of pizza, were the best. I even remember constantly trying to hide in the computer room while you worked with that dreadful popcorn flavored sucker to see how long it would take you to realize that I was there. It's moments like these that are so small yet will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you for being the one to constantly show me love and support. From selling countless boxes of girl scout cookies to picking me up from soccer practices, I may have never thanked you then but know that I am forever thankful to have such a dedicated and hardworking role model in my life. I don't know where I would be if you hadn't pushed me to always do my best as I grew up.

As I am finishing up my sophomore year at college and transitioning to an upperclassman, which terrifies me, just know that even though I will be away this summer at camp or gaining experience with internships in the future, I will always want to come home. Home is where there are a countless number of hugs, the smiles of my little brother I am blessed to have, and the never-ending support of a mother whom I love with all of my heart.

This Mothers Day I hope you are able to take time to kick up your feet, watch your favorite movies on repeat, and enjoy some time to yourself. As I grow older, I know I am around less and less, but I love you just the same as that little girl with the pig-tails. You are my biggest role model, my #1 fan, and most importantly, my mother.

To my mom: Happy Mothers Day.