Dear Mom,

I know I don't say this too often, but thank you. You have sacrificed so much for me throughout my entire life and I wouldn't be the young woman I am today without you. I know we have had many ups and downs in our relationship and I know I have done a lot for you to not trust me, but every time something happened you were always by my side to guide me in the right direction and support me.

Thank you for holding me while I cried and promising me that tomorrow would be a better day. You’ve been my rock through breakups, life decisions, and new chapters. You’ve carried me through when I was convinced I couldn’t go on. I am eternally grateful. Most importantly, thank you for showing me right from wrong, for encouraging me in my walk of faith, and for teaching me the value of respect not only for others, but for myself as well.

Thank you for making me independent, and telling me to never rely on anyone. Every single day, I become more confident in myself. Thank you for understanding when I just couldn’t swing that one class, or when that test just didn’t go as well as I hoped. As I get older, my appreciation and admiration towards you will continue to grow tremendously. Each and every single day, I realize how much of an impact and inspiration you have been (and always will be) on my life. Looking back, I feel there were times that I should have said "thank you" more and rolled my eyes less. Regardless of all my younger teenage years, and shout outs of "all my friends are, why can't I", you always seen me through and had my best interest in mind. Even though I use to think I knew it all, I realize now you are still helping me grow.

The amount of love I have for you is out of this world. Not only do you guide me through life, but you provide me with the perfect image of what to look up to. With everything you have faced in your life, and the strength you have developed, proves to me that when life is tough I can be tougher. You also let me know that it is ok to cry. Sometimes in life, being tough is not the only option. It is nice to know that in those breaking moments, I have a mother like you to lean on. It doesn't matter if we are crying together, or only one of us is breaking, it is good to know our bond is strong enough to keep us going.

I love you mom.

- Your Daughter