To my biggest inspiration,

This Mother's Day, I want to just take a moment to say thank you. I know that you have sacrificed so much for me, my brother, and my sister and that I do not recognize this a lot. But right now, I want to acknowledge all you have done for me in my 18 years of life and at least start to express to you how grateful I am to have you as a mother.

No matter the struggles you were facing, you always kept a smile on your face and put your children first. There are moments where I know you feel exhausted, that work is stressing you out, or you do not feel well. However, you always put me and my siblings first and power through the exhaustion to ensure that our needs are met and that we are happy.

There have been times in my life where I have messed up and when those mistakes made me feel like my whole world was falling apart, you were there to support me and make me feel like myself again and for that, I say thank you.

You gave up your work hours to take care of me when I was sick, to volunteer at school events and for meetings. You worked hard so that my siblings and I could have clothes on our backs, toys to play with, and food on our plates. You would spend every last penny on me and my siblings to ensure that we had opportunities and for that, I say thank you.

Whenever I have news to share, whether it's good or bad, you are the first person I call. Whenever I have had a bad day and just need someone to talk to, I know you're a phone call away. You are not only my mom but you're also my best friend. The love and trust I have in you is so different than any other person. I respect and admire you tremendously and I aspire to be as hardworking and determined as you are when I grow up. Thank you for showing me what the definition of strong and empowered woman is.

Your sacrifices as a mother do not go unnoticed. I know I should say I love you more often than I do and I know I should thank you more. And for that, I am sorry. I apologize for not always thanking you, or making you feel like you were taken advantage of. The relationship I have with you is one I am so blessed to have and every day I realize just how lucky I am to have such an amazing mother like you.

I know many people my age who do not have a close relationship with their mom or they don't even have a relationship with their mother. This just strengthens our unique relationship and makes me feel so lucky to have you in my life. Our relationship is full of love and trust and I never want that to change. When I become a mom, I will strive to raise my children as beautifully as you raised me and my brother and sister. I pray that my future daughter and I have the same relationship that you and I do.

So, Happy Mother's Day to the most selfless and empowering woman I know. I love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Your daughter.