I am thankful for so many things in my life but the one that stands out the most this year is my mother. It took me until I was 20 years old for us to get to a point of truly understanding each other and it has made me more grateful to have you in my life than ever. Here are just a few reasons out of many that I am thankful for you and probably couldn't make it through this odd time of my life without you

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You're endless poking and pushing me through my life, when I was younger I never understood it and got annoyed often but now I know it's because you wanted what was best for me. You have seen something in me since I was little and never wanted me to squander that, you encouraged me to get good grades in school so I could be ready for the struggles of college, you pushed me to be outgoing and do things I loved in sports or theater, and while you couldn't always be at the games or performances you always made sure to tell me how proud you were of me.

Like any family, we had our hard times and plenty of fights that left one of both of us in tears because we just couldn't figure out how to communicate at the time but that's a part of growing up and being a family. I understand your struggles as you were a young mother and I am just as stubborn as you but all those fights got us to where we are now. A point where not only you are my mother but also one of my closest friends.

When I call you out of the blue to cry or complain you have been my rock. I know no one else who gives a pep talk and a scolding in the same breath but you somehow do it and I'm grateful. While you're one of my greatest supports, you have also found a way to keep me humble and respect what I have now rather than be jealous of others. You are there to remind me of who I am and why that is enough and I don't need to be anyone else, which keeps me going when I start to doubt myself in school or other areas of my life.

You've taught me the importance of commitment and seeing things through, as well as the benefits of working hard and taking care of myself. While I still continue to rebel against being just like you as I discover who I am, I can say with love and pride that I took a the best parts of my personality from you and I couldn't be prouder.

I love you, Mom.

Forever thankful for you,

M