Dear Mom,

You’ve been there throughout all 18 years of my life on this earth. You've seen it all. You watched me grow from your newborn baby to your college freshman. You know my successes and failures, my highs and lows and everything in between – quite honestly, you probably know me better than I know myself. As I’ve grown up, though, I’ve found that I’m very lucky to not only call you my mom, but also one of my best friends.

You taught me the basic lessons of reading, writing and arithmetic that all mothers teach their children, and you did it well; but you also taught me important life lessons like how to be kind, to do what makes me happy no matter what, to take risks, to never go to bed angry, to try new things, to keep smiling and to enjoy life.

I can always count on you for advice and guidance, a warm hug, a shoulder to cry on or to cheer me on when I need support. You make my doctor's appointments and remind me about important dates. I can always be sure you’ll be there to remind me to stop spending so much money on clothes, which are all essential characteristics of being a mom. But, I can also call you whenever I want to tell a friend some exciting news, the latest drama or when I’m stressed and just need to be reminded to relax. We can talk for hours about nearly anything and never get bored. You’re my favorite coffee date, shopping buddy, long phone call, fellow scary movie fan, beach day companion and mom.

Your contagious smile and genuine personality make it so fun to be around you. I thank you for the endless laughs and the happy memories from childhood to adulthood. Also, since I don’t have a sister to do girly things with, I’m glad I have you as my friend to do so. And even though sometimes we bicker, we both know we can’t hold a grudge (a trait I most definitely got from you). I know I can always count on you to have my back in any situation, and I thank you for always telling me what I need to hear rather than what I want to hear. You’re my mom and my best friend all in one, and that’s the best possible situation I can think of.

Not a day in my life have I not felt loved by you and dad, and as a child, that’s all I could ever ask for. Likewise, I’ll never feel alone knowing I’ll always have a friend in you. Your kindness, compassion and unbreakable optimism is inspiring. You make those around you want to be better people. You make me want to be a better person. Thanks for being the friend I want and the mom I need. I love you a latte (LOL).

Your daughter and best friend,

Maddie