Mom,

Last week, after receiving a medical procedure, I recall holding your hand and kissing it. I sloshed through my words about how much I loved you and how important you are to me. Albeit, I was high as a kite after my anesthesia, but the sentiment still stands. You held me in your arms when I arrived in this strange ol' world, as I kicked and screamed and took my first breaths. You stood next to me when I cried in front of my elementary school, holding onto your shirt and begging for the comfort of our home. I still remember the notes you used to write on my napkins when you'd pack my lunch for school, and while I rolled my eyes then, your incomprehensible handwriting brings me comfort when I'm lonely.

You have allowed me to go to the college of my dreams, even if we're not quite sure that I'll get a job anyway. Every day I walk through this creaky campus and I feel warm, and I know that you're the reason I get to be here. I follow you everywhere I go, and I carry you in my heart. I hope you're proud of me, because I have worked tirelessly to give you something to be proud of.

I hope that one day, if I ever have children, I can raise them half as well as you have raised me. That would make me endlessly happy.

Love, Kristen