Dear Mama,

22 years ago, your life changed drastically. Your first child and daughter was born, and the real party started.

In all seriousness, we've had a good run for a little over two decades, and it all started before I was even a thought. The odds hadn't been in your favor since you'd reached puberty. You were told by doctor after doctor that you'd never be able to have children, and finally, you said, "Watch me." I wasn't supposed to exist, but you knew in your heart of hearts that I deserved to, that I would be loved and provided for to the best of your abilities. And I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to you for believing--really believing--in me before we'd even met.

You've made me who I am. You mentored me through learning to cook, how to best fold laundry, driving, putting on makeup and doing my hair, when and where to pay bills, what to wear--all the little things that mean more to me than I could ever tell you. You've always been my biggest fan, too. You attended every band concert, football game, and competition. You encouraged me to challenge myself and supported me in choosing more rigorous classes in high school. You taught me the importance of independence and responsibility as well as the value of a dollar by requiring me to get a part-time job. You supported my choice to attend college over a hundred miles away and to set out on the path to becoming a teacher. You showed me how to love and accept everyone exactly as they are and to always be curious rather than judgmental. You molded me into the best person you could possibly imagine, the individual that you yourself would want to be, and I am so very proud to be me.

There have been many times in my life that I should have thanked you for what you continuously do for me, and my birthday is just one of those times. You made the choice to give me life, and for the past 21 years, I've unfortunately overlooked the fact that today is your day, too. On this day two decades ago, you did something so astounding: you created a human being, and you suffered through hours upon hours of excruciating pain to do it. But the fact of the matter is that you thought I was worth every second of it.

When I was born, you dedicated your entire life to me, and I am so honored to know that I will always have such a strong, smart, beautiful woman by my side to guide me through my life. You are truly the best friend and companion I will ever have. I may have put a few stretch marks on your skin and a gray hair or two on your head, but for all the stress I've put on your mind and body, I hope that you know that I love you a billion times more. Happy Birth Day, Mama.

Love,

Amanda