A mother’s love is unconditional. She is the only person who will ever love you more than she loves herself. She will be there for you until the end of time no matter what. In knowing that, it kills me to hear kids, especially teenage girls, express that they “hate” their moms. Here’s why you should NEVER tell your mother you hate her.

1. Among the obvious, she gave you life. You are here because of her.

2. She raised you inside of her, dealing with pain and craving for 9 months.

3. She was willing to feel “fat and ugly” so you could come out beautiful.

4. She stayed awake many endless nights for you.

5. She goes out of her way to put you first and make sure your needs are met before hers.

6. She makes it her priority to put your sports or shows or competitions first.

7. She is and always will be your biggest cheerleader.

8. She will spoil you, but she will spoil your children even more.

9. But she will also make sure you see the value in providing for yourself.

10. She is there to pick you up when you are down.

11. She will encourage you to follow your dreams, even if the unrealistic ones.

12. She was your nurse when you lost your fights with the sidewalk.

13. She will let you fight your own battles because she knows you are strong enough to.

14. But she will not hesitate to be mamma bear if things get bad.

15. She is the toughest warrior you will ever come across.

16. She works long hours but still comes home to make sure you’re fed and happy.

17. She is your therapist when times get tough.

18. She is your first friend, your first love and your most trustworthy companion.

19. She will always be there to get you when that party gets too wild.

20. And be there to hold your hair back at 4am when you got too wild.

21. She is there to hold you when your anxiety in school and friends gets to be too much.

22. And she will encourage you to push through and overcome.

23. She is the number one person who wants to see you succeed.

24. She is behind you always when all your dreams come true.

25. Even when it’s finally time for her to join God.

I could go on and on about what makes a mother special. But then I’d be writing you all a novel. A mother is the most important person in your life and the most precious gift someone could have. I feel for those without mothers, but for those with them, never take them for granted and never tell them you hate them. Because when you’re 43, and she is gone, and your life is getting too difficult to handle, she will be the one you are begging for.