You have many best friends growing up. However, one best friend in particular has stayed with me through everything, my mom. Since I was little, I was always very close with my mother. Maybe it was because she was on the younger side when she had me but no matter what the reason, I could not me more thankful. She has taught me all of what I know and I see myself in her with everything I do. Here are just a few reasons on why having my mom as a best friend is priceless:

1. She actually listens to me when I talk.

We all had those friends that would never really listen to the silly or irrelevant things you had to say. I could always count on my mom to listen to anything, even if it had to do with people she had never heard of before.

2. We always get mistaken for sisters.

Yes, I know I usually get annoyed when people ask if we are sisters. It's especially annoying when we were on my first college visit and they thought we were both touring the school. However, this does not annoy me as much as I like to pretend it does. Secretly I love it because it makes me feel that people think we are close and just assume we are sisters. Plus I guess you're hot and young-looking too.

3. You're always down for a food date.

Sometimes I get hungry and luckily, we are always on the same hungry schedule.

4. You and I have always been close.

When I was little I never left your side. Some may argue now (Dad) that I still don't leave your side, which I guess is true. Between always hugging you or jumping on top of you when you are trying to sleep... you can say I always get pretty close.

5. Two words: SVU Marathons.

Do I even need to elaborate more on this? All I know is I could not imagine watching SVU curled up in a ball in your bed with anyone else. BONG BONG

6. You are always just a call or text away.

No matter what I am going through and no matter how far away I am, I know I can always count on you to be there for me.

7. You've shown me what it truly means to love someone.

You have always loved me unconditionally no matter what. You have loved me not only after I have made you proud but even the times when I'm sure you wanted to strangle me. It's tough to be a girl, especially in the world we live in today. You have showed me not only to love myself but to love others just as much. You taught me how to love a man the same way you love Dad, wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

Mom,

You have taught me so much throughout my life and I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you. We know so much about each other it's insane. You know exactly what annoys me and I know that it's going to drive you crazy that I ended my list with an odd number, which was done on purpose. ;) I hope I am half the mother you are one day and I know in the future (no worries late future -- mostly for dad), you will be a great grandmother. I cannot wait to pass on everything you have taught me to my future children. Thank you for everything you not only do for me, but for our family. I love you mom and I wouldn't want to have another best friend in my life!

Love your not so little girl,

Kendra

P.s. I hope you did not cry too much reading this but knowing you, you did.