There are so many people out there who will say they are best friends with their mom. While this is true for many, I can say without a doubt my mom and I have a relationship like no other. From fighting like sisters to hugging and crying like babies, to laughing like best friends, there is no one on this entire planet that can compare to how much I cherish you. So, Happy Birthday Mom, this one’s for you.

To the woman who does it all:

I will only hope to ever become half the woman you are one day. After a long day at work dealing with a classroom full of hyper third graders, you somehow return home full of energy and wearing a smile ready to cook a five-star meal for us in the matter of an hour. This will always astound me due to the fact that I need a nap within 20 minutes of being in class. You really are the woman that does it all; without a second thought or complaint.

To the yoga-loving health freak:

Another link from you pops up on my facebook messenger to an article on “The Right Foods To Eat Before Bed” or “Top 5 Ways To Overcome Insomnia.” I laugh at the fact that you manage to nag me even from 243 miles away, however, I will admit they make me feel at home and I look forward to them every day. Thank you for forcing me to come with you to 10 A.M. yoga classes at home even if I hate you in the moment because I know you are doing this all in order for me to become the best version of myself.

To the smartest lady I know:

Playing sick and skipping school was a lot harder to do growing up with you being a teacher. However, I know now that all you ever wanted was for me to succeed. You never failed to amaze me even after a whole day of teaching ended, you continued to teach and help Mason, Dale, and I with all of our work at home. Your help and encouragement has illuminated the importance of ambition to me, and I truly owe my accomplishments to you.

To my therapist:

As the only girl in the family, it is my duty to bring all the drama into your life!! That being said, thank you for the countless times for being there whenever I came running to you with my problems. Whenever I need to vent to someone, you always know the right thing to say about anything and everything. I truly don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have you by my side.

To the funniest person:

My friends will even say it; you are the funniest person. You always know how to get a good laugh out of me without even trying. People tell me we are the same exact person when it comes to our sense of humor, and I thank you for that! Your jokes, let alone your laugh, can brighten any room you walk into.

To the hands-down best cook:

Venting to you may be my form of therapy, but you always say cooking is yours. You can easily spend hours on end in the kitchen making whatever you come up with that day, and I can undoubtedly say there has never been something you made that no one liked. Your cooking makes being away from home that much harder, but it definitely gives me something to look forward to whenever I come home.

To my best friend:

So, mom, you are easily my best friend in the entire world. Your selflessness, support, honesty, thoughtfulness, and love has shaped me into the woman I am today. You put everyone else before yourself and for that you deserve the world and more. I am because you are. I love you! Happy Birthday.