Dear mom,

Let me just start by saying that I know I'm not always the easiest to deal with. I constantly need reassurance and call you way too many times during the day about literally anything and everything. I am stubborn to the core and it usually takes a mistake or two made for me to realize that, yes, you do know best. I can be very independent sometimes and I like to think that I am old enough to handle things on my own but please know that I will always need you and I will never be too old for your advice and guidance. With that said, thank you for all that you do.

Thank you for everything you have taught me. Whether it was how to read a book and ride a bike, or it was a life lesson and a hug while my heart was broken; you have helped straighten me when I stumbled. You taught me to always think for myself and you have welcomed my many different opinions. Thank you for helping me learn how to "adult" because we both know I have so little knowledge of how the real world works.

Thank you for taking such good care of me. As a kid, I would think it was so crazy how you always seemed to know exactly what I was up to and you knew exactly what I needed without communication. Now I know that you were just secretly wonder-woman. On a serious note though, thank you for always checking up on me in high school when I would go places with my friends and for still making sure I get to my dorm safely.

Thank you for believing in me. You saw through the many phases I went through in middle school and high school and always had my back when I talked about my dreams and my goals in life (no matter how many times I changed my plans). You have cheered me on from the sidelines and driven me to my many practices, and you have always reminded me that I am capable of anything. Even when I have a mini breakdown you know exactly what to say and you remind me of my worth.

Thank you for being my best friend. Even while I'm away at school you always tell me to have a great day, remind me to take my medicine, and inform me of how much you love me every single day. Your laughter is so refreshing and makes me feel whole again when everything seems to be falling apart around me. You just get me, simple as that.

As you can see, I have so much to be thankful for. This does not even begin to cover the multitudes of things you have and continue to do for me, but I hope you always know that I love you to the moon and back and I would never be the person I am today without you. You inspire me everyday and you are truly my hero. Thank you so much, mom.

Sincerely,

Your (forever) little girl

"If I know what love is, it is because of you." - Hermann Hesse