My mother. A passionate, selfless badass. I have no words to express how much you mean to me but I figured it was time to let everyone know just how awesome you are.

Although we don’t always see life in the same light, our differences strengthen our relationship. They have made us see different perspectives and have encouraged us to be accepting and loving always. The things I have learned from you and the things that are still to be taught are going to benefit me until the end of time and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Our mothers gave us life. Yeah, it’s so cliché to say but they really did. What measures do we possess to repay that? Moms everywhere make our lives continue to orbit. They keep us in line when we so passionately think it’s the best idea ever to make our own rules. They keep us safe even when we think they are being overbearing. But little do we know that we would be in absolute trouble without them.

In particular, my mom has shown me how to love endlessly, how to be strong through every hardship and how to keep a sense of humor through all stages of life. She has evolved and is continuing to evolve every day, becoming a fearless woman who is so deserving of recognition. While we are not exactly alike, I hope to be half the woman she is one day.

I thought it was fitting to let you know, Mom, how much you mean to me even in this stage of my life. Even though we are not sharing the same roof anymore, I still value your comfort, your love and your acceptance. I will never get tired of looking up to you.

Everyone should stop and take a second to thank your mothers. Taking care of your own life is hard enough, but these women take on their children’s lives as well. That fact, along with so many others, makes mothers everywhere deserving of praise and admiration. I love you, mom.