One of my most distinct and precious memories growing up was dancing around the kitchen with my mom, late at night, to old music she had on her desktop computer. In fact, a good portion of my memories involved the woman who raised me and called me her daughter. So, it seemed only fitting to write about and to her. How we came to become mother and daughter is, in fact, a little unique but I think it’s what made us so special and connected. See, my mother didn’t conceive me and she didn’t give birth to me. She picked me – her and my father – and chose to give me an amazing life and so much love.

To my mother, I hope you know how thankful I am for you. You have given me so much, both materialistically and more importantly in love and kindness. Words will always fall short in thanking you for everything. In fact, words seem quite inadequate. I just hope that you never doubt that I do cherish and appreciate you and everything you do for me and for our family. I suppose one of the things I am the most appreciative of is how you have always been my best friend. We have spent hours upon hours laughing, telling inside jokes, having each other’s backs, and just listening to each other. Without my best friend, I don’t know where I would be.

I hope that you know no matter what, no matter where I am or what I am doing, you still have my whole heart. Often times I’ve wished I could go back to being 4 years old so we could stay up all night and listen to Conway records and dance around. But, then again, I wouldn’t want to trade what we have now. As I have gotten older, I have grown to appreciate the bond a mother and daughter has. While 4-year-old Chelsey certainly loved and appreciated you just as much, adult Chelsey truly understands and connects with you.

I turn 21 this week and I’m sure it seems more unreal to you than it does to me. But please always know, whether I’m 4, 21 or 65, I love and cherish you just the same. I know at times it seems as though I’m outgrowing you. That is certainly not the case. I will always need and want my mother and my best friend. So please never doubt my love and commitment to you (even when it seems as though I’m never home or always busy). The time we do spend together now is still just as precious and special to me as dancing in the kitchen or watching "Beauty and the Beast."

Lastly, I want you to know that I am standing right beside you during you current struggles. Cancer has unfortunately wrapped its cruel hand around someone in our family, and I see the pain it is causing you. But I promise that no matter what happens, we will get through it. You will get through it. You would sit with me in the living room and read the Bible to me. You’d teach me about Jesus and His sacrifice and how God’s love and miracles are all around us. You are a woman of faith and God will certainly guide you through this. During it all, you have me right there holding your hand. After all, that is what a daughter and best friend is for. I love you, Mama. Always know that.