Mom,

Thank you for being you. There is no way I could ever thank you for everything you have given me in my life. It is so hard for me to put this into words, because there are just so many things I could thank you for.

For as long as I can remember, you have always been there for me. You have been a single mom since Haley and I were 7 years old, and we have counted on you for everything, for the past 13 years of our life. When we were little, it was hard for us to show you our appreciation for the things you did for us, to keep us happy and safe. As we both have grown older we have learned how important you are in our lives. I have seen the great things you have done, and what a great person you are.

You have pushed me to be the best person I can be. You have given me strength when I needed it the most. You have always been there for me, for every tear cried and every laugh. You have stressed about me being safe and making sure I got home safely when I had been out with my friends. Even though sometimes it may seem that you protect me too much, it really makes me realize how much you care for me.

You are someone I look up to, and I hope to some day be as great of a woman as you are. You have the biggest heart and would do anything to see other people smile. You continuously support me in everything I do.

Thank you for taking care of me when I was sick and all the sleepless nights you encountered through my childhood. Thank you for providing me with everything I could ever need and want. Thank you for teaching me the daily tasks of life. From teaching me how to make my bed, to being the first person to ride with me when I was practicing to get my license, you have been there for me through everything.

Thank you for teaching me my values and morals, that have built me into the person I am today. I have learned so much through these values and morals and they have taught me so much about myself and the things I live by.

Thank you for forgiving me even when I hurt your feelings. Even when you questioned your worth or the way you parent your kids. You have given up so much for me and you never let something get you down for long. You never let your feelings get in the way of taking care of me.

I will never forget all the nights you would tuck me into bed. My day never felt complete until I had a goodnight hug and kiss from my mommy. Even though I didn't always want a hug and kiss in those teenage years, deep down, I really did. I will never forget those long, sleepless nights of worrying about my cancer, when I would come into your room and watch TV with you. You let me sleep in your bed with you, and you made me feel safe. My worries of cancer suddenly slipped away, and I felt that I could fall asleep without any worries.

Thank you for showing me how important family is. I love being around my family, and this is because you showed me the importance of family.

There are so many things I could keep thanking you for, but most of all, thank you for being my mom. I will always be your little "Redhead Michaela."

As you would say, "I gave you life." Well mom, thank you for giving me life, and being the best mom there is.

I love you mom,

Your daughter