Well, going off to college was one of the hardest things for me, not because I didn't want to go, but because I was leaving behind the life I had known for 18 years. Most importantly, I was leaving behind my mom. I say mom, but I think the right word is best friend. My mom is my best friend. I mean by definition, the person I tell everything to, the person I run to when everything is wrong, the person who tells me when I'm being stupid, the person who believes I can do anything. I don't think she knows how much she means to me. It's something that is on my mind a lot because she plays a vital role in my life. So this one's for you mommy.

First things first. THANK YOU. Those two words are something a lot of people forget to say. It's such a broad statement when I think about all the things I can say thank you for. You have done so much for me. You kept me safe in you for 9 months, you kept me safe in your house for my whole life, and you still keep me safe from making stupid life choices. You've given me all the opportunities and more. You pushed me to try new things that have transformed me into the person I am today. I am who I am today because of the guidance you gave me. Thank you for always believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.

Second thing. You're beautiful and you always will be to me. Inside and out. I'm so proud of how strong you have come and you continue to grow with being comfortable with the way you look. You never needed to worry about this to me because your personality makes you beautiful to me. You always put everybody else first and take care of yourself last. I'm happy that you stood up and decided to take care of you. You're coming so far. Everybody deserves to feel beautiful and I want you to know that you are beautiful to me and you always have been. "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Third thing. I'm ok. I know I may seem like I don't have things together right now, but I always pull them together when I need to. I always have been the type of person to adapt to situations. I believe in making the best of what you have. So don't worry about me mommy. I'll be safe. I mean I know you're gonna worry even if I tell you not to, but I wasn't you to know that my life may not be all together, but it will be with time. I love you so much momma and I know when you worry it's only because you care about me.

Your calls. Thanks for always calling me while I'm eating dinner. Just kidding thanks for always calling. I know we don't call regularly and it seems more like I call you when my life seems to be "falling apart", but you will always listen to anything I say. Even if you don't have anything to say just knowing you're there means a lot. Even when you feel like you can't give me advice, you saying something or giving suggestions still makes a big impact on how things play out. You may not always no what to say, but usually, it seems like you know exactly what to say.

I miss you. I guess I don't say it as much because I just assume you know that I miss you. I mean I miss you and the dogs. I miss living at home a lot. Things were so simple, but I guess I have to grow up sometime. That doesn't mean I don't miss you though. You play one of the biggest roles in my life and I can't thank you enough for that. Even though you always fall asleep when we watch movies together I miss being able to lay out on the couch and see you there with me. I miss riding on your scooter with you and feeling like I was going to fall off. Yet feeling safe because I was with you. I miss eating watermelon on the back step. Today's Mother's day and there's nothing I wish I could have more than to be home with you. I'm there in spirit though and I saw you yesterday.

There's so much more that I forget to tell you, but I think those are the important ones. Thank you for bringing me into this world and affecting my life the way you have. I am so blessed to be able to call you my mommy. Thanks for being you.