Thank you for raising me.

You didn't just let me grow up, you took the time to raise me right. You taught me to say "please", "thank you", "yes ma'am", and "no sir". It taught me that the way I speak to people says a great deal about myself and how I choose to allow others to see me. You taught me to respect my elders, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because they are an important part of my life and the lessons I learn. Besides, I may need them one day, should I find myself in a bind.

Thank you for giving me a brother.

I may have wanted to kill him half the time growing up, but you gave me more than I could've ever imagined. I got another man who will never give up on me, a best friend, and someone to set examples for. You giving me a brother taught me about sharing when I didn't want to, compassion for those who may not return the feeling, and being able to see things through another person's eyes.

Thank you for always believing in me.

Whether it was wanting to play softball or basketball, showing horses, or going to college, you've always told me I could do it. When I missed the basket or failed a class, you were there to help me try again or to wipe my tears. You never told me I couldn't do something when I set my goals too high, and built me up when I set them much too low.

Thank you for making me earn things.

I am the only 19 year old I know that is 99% independent. You making me work for the things I have has made me into a person who sees value in being an independent young adult. I take great pride in knowing that the car I drive was paid for in full by me, even if I had to pay back a small "loan" to you and Dad. I love the feeling of knowing that the roof over my head is paid for with money I earn working 40 hours a week.

Thank you for my education.

You and Dad worked hard for the last 16 years to let me and my brother get the best education we could get: private Catholic school for 10 years, public high school for 4 (Class of 2015 at your Alma Mater!), and the last 2 years at UL. Thank you for paying for and letting me get an education and learn about God for the first 10 years, buying my school supplies, and paying for tuition for the last two years, the only bill you and Dad still pay. It means everything to me. Also, thank you for staying up late to help me with a project the thousands of times I waited until the day before the due date to tell you about it. I know it was tough.

Thank you for teaching me how to take care of myself.

From the American Girl® book, "The Care and Keeping of You" you gave me in 5th grade, to trying to teach me how to cook, even though I didn't want to, you always helped me know what I needed. You took me shopping for feminine products before I was comfortable doing it alone. You taught me how to wash my clothes, because God knows I'll be doing it forever. You took me to open a checking account then taught me how to balance my check book. You taught me how to be a woman, and Dad taught me how to be a man. These things helped me to become the adult I am.

Thank you for playing the role of Mom and Dad when needed.

Dad has worked hard offshore and on land for most of my life. This often involved you having to hold down the fort on your own. I don't remember much of it before age 9, however, I do know that it hasn't always been easy. You had to run two kids to school, practice, daycare, and wherever else we needed to go. Sometimes this involved my brother and I being at two different locations and you trying to split yourself in half. You went grocery shopping with two kids who hated one another, then jumped in the pool with us when we were suddenly best of friends. You took me on dates, playing Mom, then warned them not to hurt me, playing Dad and playing the part of both when warning me that he was not good for me.

Most of all, thank you for being my Mom.

I couldn't have asked for anyone better. You're the best.

I love you...to the moon and more.