I am aware that I have given you a hard time over the last 21 years. However, I wanted to let you know, how grateful I am for you. You have taught me so many things and have gotten me out of some very bad situations. At first, I did not see it, but now that I am an adult, it is clear. You have done everything for me from day one -- from feeding me to taking me to the right doctor. Here are just a few things you have done for me. However, I could write a novel on everything you have done for me.

1. You always stood up for me when everyone else was against me.

I was bullied, hurt, and picked on by so many people as a child. People even gave me a hard time because you stood up for me and reported their behavior when I would not. However, you never let that stop you. You have always had my back, and I cannot thank you enough for that.

2. You raised me to be a good person.

You always taught me that if I could not say or do anything nice, that I should not do it at all. I have tried my best to use that every day. I am so glad you raised me to be a nice and respectful woman. It has gotten me far in life, regardless what other people have told me.

3. You made me your world.

You have always made me your number one priority. I did not understand that until I graduated high school. You have been through sweat and tears trying to form me into the woman I am today. I will always love you for putting me first when there a thousand reasons you should not have.

4. You gave me the opportunity to overcome everything that everyone said I could not.

You never gave up on me when the doctors said I would not be able to function independently and would not be able to communicate efficiently with others. Instead, you changed my story. You gave me opportunities to explore my talents and hobbies. This may seem like something little to you, but it is was a tremendous help for me. If you had never let me explore my passions, I do not think I would be where I am in life right now.

5. You never stopped loving me.

There have been times when I have yelled at you, told you that I hated you, and told you I was ready to be on my own, away from you. Even after all of that, you still loved me. Even if it was through a needed spanking or just a hug or a kiss, you never stopped loving me.

I do not think that there is another human being that can love me more than you do. I love you, mom. Thank you for everything you have done for me.