I have to admit, I wasn't always thankful. I remember being in elementary school and seeing all the other kids get off the bus; jealously was enveloping me. How come they could go home but I had to go to daycare? We'd drive by our empty house and I would long for you to be outside, waiting for me to get off the bus and we could watch Disney movies and cartoons. It took me awhile to realize that if you didn't work those long hours, we wouldn't have the things that we have now. It took me awhile to realize that working full time and managing kids, especially kids who play sports. Getting up at six am to drive to work to then leave by four thirty to get three kids to three different practices, it seems nearly impossible.

For that reason, I wanted to thank you. I may have not realized when I was younger the amazing things you have done to make sure we got everything we needed but as I get older I realize how taxing it is. How much time you've dedicated to your job but also to dad and to us. I am floored by the times you manage to work a full day, come home and make dinner and then take us to practice. Without you working as hard as you do, I wouldn't have the things I have or be the person I am today because of it. Not only were you able to provide for me but you also taught me the independence. You taught me to be able to take care of myself on my own because there will be times when you won't be able to leave work and come get me when I don't feel well or I just want to leave school. I need a hardworking role model like you who will show me that I will able to do the same thing when I have children, and teach them that they can do it too. Not many people can do the amazing things mothers can do when they care about their kids.

To all the mothers out there that work full time, thank you for all the hard work that you do to manage a family and a career. You are the models for young girls to work to achieve. The independence that you possess to be able to work and manage everything around that is something to acknowledge. Thank you for all the things that you had to sacrifice and to work towards to give us a wonderful life. We love you.