My mother is one of the most important people in my life. She is always there for me, and teaches all the things I need to be a well-rounded woman. Words can not even come close to describe what she means to me, or how much I love her. I love remembering the little things she has done like singing "you are my sunshine" every night before bed, eating the tomatoes that I refuse to, and making me soup when I am sick. These are five things that I want to thank my mother for that I normally do not.

1. Being the best friend that I always needed

She has always been there for me, and always been a listening ear. No matter the issues I had she was always there to listen and give helpful advice.

2. Showed me what it meant to be a strong woman

She was never the emotional mother that you see on Tv, and I am grateful for that. She taught me what it meant to be strong. She showed me how to keep my head held high through every situation. She always got right back up after falling down, but she was stronger the second time around. She taught me the phrase "no crying unless you are dying". She taught me to never be afraid to stand your ground and state your opinion.

3. How to be God fearing

From day one I was in church and praying. Praying every day was something you did to communicate with God. She taught me what it means to study the bible, and read the word for yourself. She taught me to have my own relationship with God and to open my heart up to him.

4. It's okay to be a little domestic

I remember doing my own laundry as young as nine years old. She taught me from an early age that learning to cook was a good thing. Even though I may not have the best cleaning habits, that does not mean I don't know how to. Cooking and cleaning for a future husband is nothing to be ashamed about. You need to know how to take care of yourself, and your family.

5. How to "adult"

Being in college I recognize so many adults my age do not know the responsibilities it takes to make it today in this world. I thank her for teaching the important things like paying bills, buying a car, taxes and saving money. Keeping budget was my most recent lesson, and I am grateful for it. She always taught me that I need to be independent, and to know how to properly "adult".

Mothers are a gift from God that do not always get to stay as long as you may like them too. I am thanking my mother to show her that I do notice the things she has done for me. She had influenced me in such positive ways. I would not be the woman I am today without her.