Dear Mom,

I can’t even begin to put into words how much you mean to me. Through the course of my life there have been way too many times where I’ve forgotten to thank you for the big things, the little things, and some of the things in between. You deserve all the thanks in the world because you are my world.

Thank you...

For talking to me on the phone at least five times a day.

Going to college was not an easy choice. I miss home constantly, wish I was watching HGTV with you, and count the days until we reunite. I look forward to our many daily conversations about anything and everything. They make my day special and happy.

For teaching me how to everything, including how to not turn my laundry pink.

Let’s be honest, I’ve definitely called you multiple times with a silly question. You always laugh, make me laugh, and then help me out. Whether it’s, “Mom, I can’t get this stain out! What do I do?” or, “Mom, what kind of detergent do you usually use?” thanks for always answering — even though you’ve probably already told me the answer five times.

For letting me go out even when my room wasn’t clean and for believing that I’ll do it when I get home.

I never did it when I got home, did I? Eventually, you caught on, but when I really needed to go somewhere you let me go, regardless of what chores I hadn’t done yet. You never got in the way of me making memories; instead, you assisted me in making more.

For being my personal transportation for 16 years.

I can’t even count how many times you drove me to school, took me to the mall, dropped me off at the movies, or took me places with friends. We have some of our best conversations in the car when it’s just me and you and I always loved that time together. You went out of your way to take me places, whether it was across town for a nail appointment or even across the state for a volleyball tournament. Thanks for always doing it with a smile and even for passing the torch and teaching me to drive on my own.

For understanding my love for cooking and letting me experiment.

We always bonded in the kitchen. You were always the first to try my crazy creations and tell me the truth. I can’t even count the amount of memories that you and I have made in the kitchen.

For making our home feel like home for everyone who walks in.

You’ve always been the kind of mom where, if one of my friends walks in without me home or without you knowing, you welcome them with open arms, offer to make them something, and allow them to make themselves at home without telling them to because they already know. My friends think of you as their second mom and look up to you. You make them feel like they can come into our home and be themselves, make great memories, feel safe, and be just as comfortable as we are in our own home.

For accepting that I will always want a new pet, no matter how many we have.

I love going to the pet store with you, laughing with you at how cute the puppies and kittens are in the windows, and, of course, doing my best to get you to fall in love with one and let me take it home. I know that you say no every time, but even at the age of 21 I promise you that someday I will be successful again!

For sacrificing so much for me.

As time has gone by you’ve sacrificed many weekends, late nights, and hours making sure that I had what I needed, no matter how hard it was for you. You gave me a great high school education and are now giving me a college education as well. You’ve given up so much to be a good mom to me and I can’t tell you how thankful that I am for that.

For being my best friend.

Growing up we had quite a good relationship. Now, as an adult, I have no idea what I would do without you. You are the first person who I think of when I wake up and the last person who I think of before I go to bed (mostly because we’re on the phone for a good hour before I fall asleep sometimes). I look up to you and hope that one day I can be even half of the woman that you are. You have taught me invaluable lessons, showed me right from wrong, and have given me the wings that I need in order to fly. Although I am still learning, I am glad that I have a mom like you by my side.

Mom, you are truly one of a kind. I am so thankful for you.

I love you now and always.