I write this sitting across from you at your desk. Watching you as you sift through files someone mis-sorted. And I am in awe. Of your brilliance, your resilience, of the way you put your mind to task.

I remember, once, when I was little I hid your phone so that you wouldn’t have to work and could play with me instead. You didn’t yell, you didn’t freak out, you explained to me that you work so that I can play. That the hours you put in at the office allowed me to go that cool summer camp, paid for the Catholic school where my sisters and I got hands-on education, paid for the impressive collection of Bratz dolls in my room. Then you put your phone on silent and played with me.

You are, have always been, and always will be, the biggest inspiration in my life. When I’ve been studying for ages at school and think I can’t go anymore, I think of the hours you’re putting in at the office. I get to stop once the test is done, your work is never done.

When I came home from college for Christmas break I was so mad because you spent most of the time I was there in the office. Logging in time to keep the business running, even though it seemed like it was on running on vapors. But when the boat was sinking, you didn’t jump ship, you bailed the water out. You didn’t do it alone, you had help, but you were the captain and I didn’t understand that. But I do now, just because I was home, the world did not stop revolving.

I see the long days turned into longer nights. The skipped lunches, the missed “Hey what’s up” calls lost to conference calls, I see the work you put in and I am so proud.

I am so proud to be the daughter of a woman who works so hard. Who not only brings home the bacon, but cooks it and cleans it up. I know that you think that no one sees how hard you work, but we do. We your daughters, we your family, we your coworkers, see how much you work and are so very proud.

I remember how mad you were when you told me about all the vendors who looked past you to your husband, who while smart, is not the one in charge, just because they don’t think a woman is in charge and working hard. But day-in, day-out, you prove the nay-Sayers wrong and you empower the phrase, “Who runs the world? GIRLS.”

Thank you for showing me that the world waits for no one, no matter the circumstance. Thank you for showing me that a woman can have a career and a family, that being female doesn’t disqualify me from anything. Thank you for being hardworking. Thank you for showing me what it means to be a woman. Strong, independent and smart.

Thank you for being the woman who played dolls with me as a little girl and who showed me who to be as a young woman.