Dear Mom,

I have no idea where to begin, but I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for doing everything that you do. It is amazing to see how strong, caring and loving someone can be. If a Super-Mom existed then it would definitely be you. Thank you for sitting through all my hockey practices and traveling to all my games. Thank you for wiping the tears off my face every time I fell outside and scraped my knee. Thank you for teaching me how to appreciate all I have in life. Thank you for showing me the value of a dollar and for making me work hard for the things I want in life. Thank you for teaching me how to stop on both sides of my feet on the ice. Thank you for being the cool mom who jams out to the latest hits on the radio. Thank you for allowing me to learn from my mistakes and for teaching me not to repeat them. Thank you for making my lunches in the morning. Thank you for showing me my love for '80s music. Thank you for the pale white skin that gets burnt easily. Thank you for driving everyone around after school, even though you were tired from a long day at work.

The list goes on and on. You have done so much for me in my life, and I hope one day I am able to thank you for that. I have no idea how you do everything that you do. You are courageous, smart, welcoming and understanding. I know I was not the easiest kid to deal with when I was younger, but I am thankful that you did not give up in me. You have taught me a lot of things that have made life easier while being away at school. It is hard being away from the family, but I am glad I get to bother you on the phone while you are at work. I know one day it will all be worth it. Thank you for allowing me to be your son.

Love always,

Your firstborn troublemaking son, Peter