It's true that I've always been a daddy's girl. There was nothing I couldn't get out of him with a simple pout of my lower lip and some puppy dog eyes. When I was little, he was my hero and this was even before I could actually understand how hard he worked. At twenty-one years old, I still look up to my dad. I admire how he finds his way out of bed at four in the morning every day to work tirelessly just to make sure there is dinner on the table. I admire the efforts he makes to be there for important family events. I admire the way he shows his love more than he says it. He taught me how to work hard, how to be strong, and always be humble.

It is a different relationship between a mother and daughter. There have been plenty of fights, and not like the fights that I would have with my father because they rarely existed. With my mother, they were screaming matches and I've regrettably said "I hate you" my fair share of times.

Even through all of the arguments, even through all of my disrespectful teenage years, my mother has loved me unconditionally.

When I was younger, I didn't want my mom to have a job because I would miss her too much. While my dad was working, I spent my days with her. Every day, all day with her. And because I saw her much more than I saw my dad, she didn't really get the appreciation that she deserved. When I was little I didn't understand how hard staying home and taking care of me really was, but now I know that it was a challenge in itself.

She has forgiven all of my mistakes and never judged me for them. She stayed up with me all night when I was upset over a boy, letting my cry into her shoulder for hours on end despite the fact that she had work in the morning.

It's true that my father makes sure there is food on the table, but my mother turns it into something delicious. My father ensures that the foundation underneath our house never breaks, but my mother makes sure it is a home.

My mother gets off of work and has a whole other job to complete once she gets home. She is nurturing and caring. She makes sure that everyone had a good day, and if we didn't, she makes sure to take the weight off of our shoulders by the evening.

When I need something in my house, I cannot remember the last time I yelled for my dad. A mother is the glue that holds a family together. She is what keeps us all going and keeps us all on track, even if we don't always realize it. She knows where everything is, when some days are harder than others, or when I've been working myself too hard.

Throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school, having my mom around was just a staple. I couldn't be bothered. I would be out with my friends, come home for dinner, and leave again. When my mom would ask to spend time with me, I would brush her off.

It wasn't until I went away to college that I realized how important those moments are. I didn't realize how much I missed both of us getting sick and eating soup and watching movies together. I didn't realize how much I missed having someone to talk to about my day and being able to tell absolutely everything to. I didn't realize how much I missed her constant advice and input, even though I might've hated it at the time.

My mother raised me more than I understood at the time. I see a lot of her in myself, looks and personality. If I turn out to be as strong, intelligent, caring, loving, kind, and hard-working as my mom is, then I know I'll do okay.