Mom-

Throughout my entire life, you have been the person I've gone to over and over and again. You've encouraged me, scolded me, loved me, driven me crazy, cared for me- in short, you raised me. No amount of money could ever repay you for all that you've done for me, nor can I come up with words to describe how much you mean to me. So I'm just going to thank you for as many things as I possible can.

Thank you for:

1. Making me unpack my suitcase the day I get home

I'd never do it. I'd still be living out of it right now if you hadn't made me.

2. Reminding me to bring my costumes to my recitals

One. I always forget one.

3. Ironing labels on all my 3,000 articles of clothing for summer camp...

4. And then refilling my debit card for said camp

Yes, I need a cupcake from the bookstore every day while I sit in the air conditioning. Outside who?

5. Sending me care packages

Nothing fills the void of missing you like Oreos, chips, and other nonsense food.

6. Cooking me bacon every weekday for a year

I would give anything to have you make fresh bacon every day for me in college. Move to Hamden?

7. Taking me on amazing European vacations

Read: dragging my sorry jet lagged butt sightseeing with pep. Where can I buy some of that mom magic?

8. Noticing when I clean the house

Without being told to #favoritechild?

9. Doing my laundry for 19 years

I know how to do it, but it's so much nicer when I don't have to

10. Being rational when I flipped out over high school work

"MOM IT'S NOT IN THE BOOK!"

*Checks book*

"never mind."

11. Driving all over New England on college visits

Pennsylvania! Connecticut! Massachusetts! Oh my!

12. Calling me anything but my name

Sweetie, love, darling, honey... I get all my cute nickname inspiration from you.

13. Turning a blind eye when I go to Walgreens for deodorant and spend $50

It was very critical I buy another leave in conditioner and $25 worth of peanut butter cups

14. Dragging me to barre

I hate it every single time but it's good for me. That said, I will not be going over Christmas break

15. Paying for my 12 trips home the first two months of college

I need this train so I can get home exactly at three and have 48 full hours of being home

16. Buying me that advent calendar you said you wouldn't

I absolutely love it and I absolutely didn't need it.

17. Being my (more reliable) WebMD

My throat hurts and I'm tired. Am I dying?

18. Sending me goodnight texts so I get the hint to go to bed

It's 11PM? Practically the afternoon!

19. Answering my ridiculous (and numerous) texts

"I miss you." "How is the cat?" "Do you miss me?" "How is the cat?" "Can I come home this weekend?" "How is the cat?" "Can you send me blah blah blah?" "How is the cat?" "How is the cat?" "How is the cat?"

20. Loving me unconditionally

I love you too.