You'd think that it would be a best friend I'm talking about, right? Well, you're sort of right, in a way. My mother has been my best friend from day one. Always there for me through everything. Always giving me an honest answer, even if it wasn't the one that I wanted. She always has been there and I know that she always will be there. We've been there for each other when times were tough and we made it through with but a few scratches.

She's put her own wants and needs aside so that I could have almost whatever I wanted. She made it so that, growing up, I always fit in with everyone else and had almost everything they did, even if it cost her way too much. I can't even begin to express how much that means to me, especially since there were so many more things that money could have been spent on but she chose to give it up so I could fit in. When things got tough, no matter the reason, she cut me some slack even if she shouldn't have.

I understand that I'm not the easiest person to live with, especially to parent. I'm stubborn, complicated, annoying, and bratty but, Mom, I hope you know that I love you and that I'm so thankful for everything you've done and continue to do for me. You've made my life so much easier than it had to be, even if that meant making yours more difficult. Sometimes I don't understand how you managed to keep up with me especially after all the hospital visits and bills. After all the stress I've given you over these 19 years that I've had the privilege of knowing you for, you continue to support me through whatever I chose to do, even if you disagree with it.

It's not just the hard times that you've been there for either. When things would go smoothly, I could look next to me and you'd be right there with me. I tease you and you tease me. That's how it works with us and it works perfectly. I'll do something dumb and you'll look at me, call me an idiot, laugh, and then help me. Most people think the kind of mother-daughter/best friend relationship we have is weird because someone my age shouldn't be this close with their parent. We aren't your typical mother and daughter. But to us it's normal, it would be weird not to be this close.

I know you don't like telling people you're having trouble and that you don't like admitting you need help. You're just that kind of person. You'd fall down 7 times, stand up 8 and still won't ask for help. You're the strongest person I know and I admire you for that. You are, have always been, and always will be my hero. I know that if I ask you for something, you'll always be there for me. I know that, no matter how late, if I call you, you'll always answer.

I know that I don't say it enough, but I hope you know how much you mean to me. Without you I wouldn't be the person I am today. You've made me the person that I am today. You've given me your sass, sarcasm, lightheartedness, and your craziness. But you've also given me your strength, self-confidence, resistance to ask for help, and your independence. And for that I'll always be thankful.

Thank you Momma,

I love you