My mom has always been my very best friend. I can trust her with anything and I know that no matter what she has my back. I am heading to college in less than two weeks which means for the first time in 18 years we will be apart, which is hard for both of us. I wanted to write this letter to her, so she knows what she means to me and all that she has done for me throughout my life.

Dear Mom,

This is it. Ever since I was young we have talked about me going away to college and continuing my education. At that point it seemed so far away, but the time has flown by. My plans and dreams have changed and they may change again in the future, but I know that no matter what path I end up taking you will be in my corner to support and love me. We have had one crazy run during the past 18 years. You have had to support me through depression, anxiety, and my eating disorder, but you have also been there to watch me win softball games, set personal records in cross country and go to prom. There have been hard times, but the good times outweigh them. I am so thankful that you were there through it all.

I just want you to know that I love you and I am so honored to call you my mom. You were a stay at home mom for twelve years and then decided that you wanted to go back to school to become a nurse, which had always been your passion. It was rough for you because you had to balance taking care of the house and your kids all while learning how to be a successful nurse. But you did it. You inspired me with your hard work and perseverance. Now you work full time at a job that you love and you still make time to help me, go to football games to cheer on my younger brother, and help our twelve-year-old dog with his arthritis. I know that I can do whatever I set my mind to because you are who I aspire to be.

As we go on in this life and start this new chapter I know that you are only a call or text away when I need you. I know that you will always be my best friend. I know you are still very much in my life and I cannot wait to share all of my new experiences and knowledge with you. Although it is sad that I am leaving and I am terrified, I am very confident that you have prepared me to handle school and life by myself. I am going to enjoy my college years, learn a lot, and try to make a place three hours away feel like home, but do not fear because no matter how homey college may seem, under your roof will always be my real home and I will always come back.

You are a beautiful woman inside and out.

I love you a bushel and a peck,

Your little girl