As I have grown up and moved away I have realized that moments are fleeting. Moving away from the old saying, "you don't know a good thing until its gone" couldn't be truer. I didn't realize how close me and my mother really were. We did everything together, from hitting up TJ Maxx every other day, to fueling are Starbucks addiction way too often! So, Mama, this letter is for you.

Dear Mama,

I want to start by saying THANK YOU! Mom, I know I don't tell you this enough but I want to say thank you for always being there for me! Thank you for being my best friend! Thank you for showing me how much fun shopping is, but let's just say it's not as fun without you! I know we have had our fair share of fights and rough patches where I was a moody and unreasonable, and even then you stood by me!

You've stood by me as I have bounced from one relationship to the next always there for me, wiping away my tears. You always offer those wonderful words of wisdom to lift me up or tell me the brutally honest truth when I need it! Still to this day when I pick up the phone to call you after I just spent the last half hour crying over a failed exam your there for me. You never laugh or tell me I need to try harder you just say, "It will be OK, I'll pray for you."

Mom, you empower me to be a better person daily. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift of all, my faith in Jesus Christ! You have taught me what it means to be the best person I can be and how having a relationship with my heavenly father can get me through all of life's hardships. Giving me this great gift has helped me cope with missing my best friend, you!

I can't lie especially to you as you know all my tells, so I'll be honest. Moving away from home was probably a lot harder for me then it was you. I know I said I wouldn't cry, but being away has made me a crier. So again, I just want to thank you for picking up the phone when I call just to tell you about my day when I know you're in the middle of your house chores. Thank you for your unconditional love you have showed me every day of my life.

Mama, I love you, thank you for being my best friend.

Love your daughter,