Mahm, mahm, mahmmmm

Now that I have your attention, I hope you take this moment to read this and try to understand how much I appreciate who you are and each and everything that you do.

First, I'd like to thank Mimi for raising such a Godly, big-hearted and hilarious person because you got it from your momma and I got it from you (que the "I got it from my momma" song). We are lucky enough to have three generations of fabulous women, and that all started with her. All I can say is, I hope my future daughter falls in line and keeps the tradition alive. If I am half the mom that you and Mimi are, then I think she will.

Now I want to take some time to thank you for being everything a mother should be and so much more.

Thank you for teaching me what it means to love and be loved unconditionally. Over my two decades, I have realized that unconditional love is not always a guarantee, and it is not something that everyone knows how to give. It takes a conscious effort to open your heart and accept someone for who they are no matter the circumstance or how many mistakes have been made. You do that every single day. Thank you for loving me enough to where I have never had doubt its truth or sincerity.

Thank you for always answering your phone. Whether I need to tell you about one of my crazy professors, laugh about not washing the conditioner out of my hair or listen to me cry when life has thrown just a little too much at me, I know that you are always a person that I can call. When something goes wrong, you're the only one that comfort me and when something goes wonderfully right, you're the one I want to celebrate with. Not everyone has this kind of relationship with their mom, but you have made me one of the lucky ones.

Thank you for being my inspiration. Our lives have been far from easy over the last several years, but you have never ceased to conduct yourself with grace and an optimistic outlook of the future. Some of the most comforting words I've heard in my life are you saying, "We will be okay. No matter what, you and I have each other." These are the words I cling to, and these are the words that can brighten even the darkest of days. Your optimism and your laugh are infectious and you remind me that there is power is positivity. You recently made your happiness a top priority and it radiates from you. Your heart is fuller and your smile is brighter. When I look at you, I see the woman I want to become. Some people never get to meet their heroes, but I'm blessed enough to live with mine.

Thank you for supporting me. Softball, equestrian, clubs, work, school, leadership positions, career path, you name it -- you have been my biggest cheerleader. When I doubt my abilities, you have always been there to encourage me and help me get out of my own way. Because of you, I know that I can accomplish anything when I choose to.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for being my best friend, my cheerleader, my life-coach, my role model, my confidant, my nurse, my conscious and, most importantly, thank you for being my parent.

All that I am and all that I hope to be is because of the example that you have set for me. I love you more than I can put into words, and I hope that you realize what an important role you play in my life and in so many others'.

Forever and always,

Your Pipsqueak