Dear Mom,

I want to let you know that this letter will not even come close to explaining the love and gratitude that I have for you; however, I hope this comes close. There are so many things that I want you to know, but let me first start off by saying thank you. Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on, thank you for always listening to the latest gossip, thank you for always being just a phone call away, but most importantly, thank you for showing me what unconditional love actually is. I am very grateful for all of the typical "mom duties" that you have fulfilled each and every day of my life, but my gratitude towards all of the ways that you have gone above and beyond as my mom is indescribable. I know it seems as if your actions have gone unnoticed or unappreciated many of times, but I want you to know that they have never gone unnoticed. In my eyes, you absolutely are the most incredible mom that a child could ask for.

You were always there for me, whether I wanted you in my room at that time or not, you always seemed to be there when I needed you the most. I pushed you away many times, but you resiliently stood in my bedroom and would not leave until I told you what was wrong, and for that I am extremely grateful. No matter what the situation was, I always knew you were there with open arms.

I want to thank you for being my biggest fan day in and day out. Whether it was a choir concert, a field hockey game, or an entire weekend full of volleyball, you were always on the sidelines cheering me on. I think I can count on one hand how many events that you had missed, and all for extremely good reasons. I truly have no idea what I would have done without my biggest fan constantly supporting me throughout the years. From my education to my athletics, you were the first one to let me know how proud you were and those words always meant the absolute world to me.

I want to thank you for pushing me and believing in me in everything I do. You made sure my homework was done every night before bed, you made sure my chores were done, and you made sure that my academics preceded everything else. You saw potential in me that I never knew I had, and because of you, I have made it to college and am very confident in my future.

Thank you for being my role model. You are truly an inspiration, and if one day I am half the mother that you are, my kids will certainly look up to me the way I do to you.

I know at times it may seem as if I want nothing to do with you, but I am here to assure you that that is certainly, and will never be the case. You truly are my best friend and I couldn't imagine going through life without you by my side. I am more than proud to be your daughter and I can't wait to continue to go through life with you. Thank you for everything.

Love forever and always,
Your baby girl