I have never felt like my real mother was in my life. I had a rough childhood, and I went through a lot. The divorce when I was quite young between my dad and my mother didn't make it better. I cried for hours as any little girl would, and I constantly begged for my mother. I had these thoughts constantly running through my head; wondering if I would ever have a real mother. Then, God sent me you.

I remember all the way back to the good, and the bad. I wasn't sure at first. I remember hating you. I didn't want to open up to a woman who didn't know my true identity, and I wasn't sure if you deserved it. However, it didn't take long for you to prove yourself to me. You always looked for ways to make me comfortable. You planned events for my brothers and I to spend time with you, and you took us out on adventures where I would come back filled with love. I know you thank me for letting you in, but now it's my turn to thank you.

I remember the wedding when you and my dad got married. You looked so beautiful. I sat upstairs in the dressing room while your mother helped doll you up. Your white smile, and the beautiful bun in your hair with your sweet curls hanging down on each side. Your love filled the entire chapel that day, and definitely filled my heart. I remember crying when my grandparents took me away while you and my dad went on your honeymoon. I had never been so upset, but you soon returned to see me again. Ever since I can remember, you've been there for me. I'm so glad I met you.

Thank you for supporting me in my sports and activities. Thank you for attending every track and field meet, and volleyball game, and giving me those kind encouraging words of "You played your best," even when we lost. You have been my inspiration for a lifetime, and I crave running into your warm arms at the end of every game.

Thank you for trying to understand my confusing math homework, and giving me something to laugh at when you realize you can't even figure it out. It makes me feel so much better. I enjoyed nothing more than complaining about the amount of homework I had each night, and awkwardly staring at a word problem hoping we can come up with a solution. You're the best.

Thank you for making me realize I have nothing to worry about, and allowing me to come to you when I need to talk. I value our moments in the bedroom just crying, and hugging each other while we both mouth "I love you." You have picked me up when I'm down, wiped my tears, and shown me I'm beautiful. You have taught me to value myself, and my qualities. I am proud to be your daughter for life.

Overall, thank you for being my mother, and just know to me you are always more than that. You're a shoulder to lean on and my best friend. I can't wait to see you when I come home. Just know that while I'm away in college, I'm thinking about you, mom. I love you so much.