There are a few sayings I have been hearing ever since I was a little kid, and they have all come out of my mothers mouth, beginning with a stern "Ally Mae." And they all end in me not admitting, but knowing, that I should've listened because my mother was right.

Well, 21 years later and here I am. A senior in college, about to be officially on my own as a full-fledged adult, sitting at my desk as I think about all the times I could've saved myself trouble or heart break if I would of just listened to my mother.

So, congratulations Mom, you were right. The whole 21 years of my life, everything you've said and tried to get through my thick skull, you were, are and always will be right.

1. You were right when you told me that bad company corrupts good morals.

2. You were SO right when you told me not to move in with friends because all it was going to do was wreck the friendships.

3. You were right when you told me not to argue with idiots.

4. You were also right when you told me not to argue at all.

5. You were right when you told me to stop being stubborn.

6. You were extremely right when you told me that he wasn't the one.

7. You were also right when you told me to find Jesus before looking for the boy.

8. You were right when you told me not to lose my faith.

9. You were right when you told me to stay focused in school.

10. You're still right when you tell me to stay focused.

11. You were right -- those friends you didn't care for, they were bad influences.

12. You were extremely right when you told me nothing good happens after 10 o'clock.

13. You were right when you told me not to break his heart.

14. You were also right when you told me not to let him break mine.

15. You were right when you told me the end of a relationship was not the end of the world.

20. You were right when you told me to be careful because not all people change.

21. Lastly, you were right when you said you would always have my back - because you always have and you always will.

Of course, I had to learn all of these lessons the hard way, but that only proves you right once more. You were right when you told me I'd have to learn some things on my own. You've always been right, and you will continue to always be right. So thank you, for being patient through my stubbornness and my hard headedness. And thank you for loving me endlessly and relentlessly as I grow up in this world.

I have learned so much in these short 21 years of my life, and it is all thanks to you (and Dad.) I love you both.

Thank you.