Dear Mom,

A million words could never manifest how thankful I am to you. You truly are a super hero in my eyes, and in many others, too. Even though 18 years have come and go, the memories along the way will always stick in my heart and mind. From painting butterflies on my walls to spending hours trying to pick the BEST first day of school outfit and then having to pick another for the next day. I will always cherish and love these memories for the rest of my being. I am beyond lucky to have a mom who puts everyone else before herself.Thank you for sacrificing so much of your life in order to give me a great one. You have given homes to children who needed it and have loved them as your own when they had no one else. You are my super hero. You truly are the kind of the woman I yearn to be one day. College is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and it is very much thanks to you, Mom.

There are so many things I will miss about you as I leave for college in August. I will miss the way you get up every morning and have your tea with whipped cream. I will miss Friday morning dance parties in the kitchen. I will miss the ways we bond over movies like dirty dancing and steel magnolias and how we obsess over HGTV shows. Most of all I will miss your presence you bring to a room and how everything lights up and it makes everyone around you smile. I will miss being able to grab a hug whenever I feel I need one.

As we embark on this new journey, there are a few things I would like you to know. I love you with all of my heart and you will always have a place in mine. No matter the circumstances or the obstacles that come to face us, I will always need and want my mom. Though five hours may not seem huge to others, the distance is mind boggling as I face a new life, without being under your roof. Luckily there are a few promises I can make you. I promise I will do my best to answer each and every one of your phone calls or video calls. I promise that no matter what I do, I will always remember what you taught me growing up and have respect for not only myself but for others as well. No matter how old I get, I will always be the little curly haired girl who would stampede your bed in the mornings along side her brothers and crowd the middle of the bed.

There will never be enough thank yous in the world for what you and dad have provided all of us kids with. You both have given us the guidance, love, and ability to do great things with our futures. Thank you for the countless opportunities you have given me and my siblings to chase our dreams. Thank you for loving and protecting us. Thank you for sharing in my passions, my humor and my love for things that seemed out of reach. No matter how far I go or where ever life takes me, I will always need my mom.

Love,

Your Daughter