Dear Mom,

Thank you for everything. I know I’ve told you how much you mean to me before, but I don’t think you understand how important you actually are to me. Yes, you are my mother but you are more than that. You are my teacher, my mentor, my inspiration, my role model, and my best friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all you have done for me. While at times I may have seemed like a spoiled brat, your kindness, unselfishness, hard work, love, and motivation have not gone unnoticed.

I can’t say “thank you” enough. I can never repay you for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for not backing down when I threw a fit because you said “no”. Thank you for buying me a countless number of running shoes and clothes so I could run cross country. Thank you for reminding me that it’s not the end of the world when I failed a test. Thank you for singing with me to the oldies on our car rides. Thank you for giving me advice even when I didn’t want to hear it. Thank you for being my biggest fan and spending your whole day at my track meets. Thank you for staying up late with me to help me study for tests. Thank you for letting me borrow your clothes. Thank you for providing a home for me to live in and food on my plate. Thank you for listening to me complain about my stupid teenage problems. Thank you for letting me make mistakes so I could learn about the consequences of my decisions. Thank you for teaching me the importance of being happy. Thank you for letting me follow my dreams.

I know it wasn't always easy, but thank you for raising me into a respectful, hard-working, and caring woman. The only way I can start to repay you is by being the woman you raised me to be. You are my inspiration. You’ve taught me how to be strong, not only for myself but for others. You’ve taught me how to care for myself and for the people around me. You've taught me how to work hard in order to reach my goals. You’ve taught me about the importance of giving back to people that need my help. You’ve taught me how to love and what it’s like to be loved.

Now that I am off at college, I look back at all of our amazing memories together and I can’t believe how quickly these last couple years have gone. I wish I could rewind the clock and live it all over again. From our 8-hour car rides for my track meets to staying in and watching movies, I’ve enjoyed it all. You’ve been there for me every step of the way, guiding me in the right direction. It’s a whole different world not living in the same place as you. I miss having you by my side whenever I need a hug after a bad day, or to have someone to eat a pint of ice-cream with while watching our favorite shows. My first couple weeks of college have been difficult because I miss you dearly. It’s been so hard for me to live away from my best friend, even though we knew, this time, was coming. While I wish I could relive the year's back home, I know you’ve prepared me well for the next journey in my life.

I know you’ll always be a phone call away when I need some reassurance or advice. No matter where we are in the world you will always be my mother and my best friend. I only hope that I can make you proud. I can’t wait to see you.

I love you!