I can honestly say that if I hadn't had the mother I did growing up, I would be a completely different person and I thank God every day that she is a part of my life. And it's probably the same for everyone. Their mothers probably influenced them as well. But I consider myself lucky that I have a mom who texts me every morning that she loves me now that I'm at school, or who sends me messages at 1 a.m. because she was watching a cooking show we both love and wanted to tell me about it. I'm lucky that when I left for school my mother wanted to do something special with me, and while I was expecting a movie night, she decided we were going to get a tattoo together because she wanted something that signified how permanent our bond is. So now, as I look down at my fresh tattoo, I have to thank her for the things that she did to make me who I am today.

1. Teaching me to value myself

Every little girl is bound to go through times where they are struggling with their self-esteem. Some girls at school were mean about what she wore, or someone pointed out what it is about her that makes her different. I just want to thank my Mom for being the one who, when I came home all sniffly because one of the girls said that I was weird because I was so much smaller than everyone else, laughed and said "Good." I was confused at first, but what she taught me in that kind of response is something I value beyond all other things. It's good that I'm different from other people. It's good that all of us are different from each other. "You're my daughter. Not her. I like you the way you are," she would tell me. She taught me that there is so much to be said for someone who knows they are different and owns it, and values what makes them unique. It's something that takes a while to learn, but now that I'm off on my own, I can not thank her enough for teaching me to cherish my individuality and to respect the uniqueness in everyone else.

2. Teaching me to laugh at myself

"They can't laugh at you if you're laughing at yourself first." A true statement. I am a natural klutz, as is my mother, and from a very young age I've been falling over nothing and tripping up the stairs. Add that to my slightly ridiculous personality, and you can guarantee I make a fool of myself multiple times a day. I used to be sensitive about people laughing at me until I spent more time with my mom, and saw that I got it from her. Every time she fell or slipped or said the wrong word, she just burst out laughing before everyone else. Slowly, I learned that most importantly I have to love myself even through my clumsiness and mistakes, and if I embrace them myself everyone else will embrace them with me.

3. Teaching me never to stifle myself

At some point in every girl's life, she is going to struggle with accepting herself and her personality. I just consider myself lucky that growing up if I liked music that nobody else did, wanted to play sports that other girls didn't play, or said things that came to mind even though they were different from what other people thought my mom supported me. She taught me that every person is given a unique personality, and in a world of 7 billion people it is better to be the only one that is the way you are than the way millions of others are. To struggle with a personality or identity crisis is normal, but to learn that your individuality is your the greatest feature is what keeps you strong throughout it. Thanks, mom, for teaching me to be me.

4. Making me use my imagination

Growing up, my older brother and I weren't allowed to watch TV for more than 30 minutes a day. We picked one show together, and then for the rest of the day we were to play outside with each other or find something else to do in the house. If we ever complained about it in the way that little kids complain about things that aren't exactly what they want at the exact moment they want things, my mother just told us to use our imaginations. We had to learn to create things to do, invent imaginary places that the two of us could live in for the day and imaginary creatures we played with. My fondest memories of childhood stem from long days spent trying to find new things to do, and today it has brought me to appreciate the things that are inspired by the mind rather than the surge of technology that surrounds today's society. It has led to an appreciation for creativity, and a cherishing of the beauty of what the mind can create and how much power it harnesses.

5. Telling me to follow my dreams

In the least cliche way possible. But nonetheless, a mother is one who tells you to follow your dreams and your heart and whatever else that inspires you, and I feel that some thanks are in order. Without that push to pursue the things that seemed out of reach, I may never have done a lot of things so far in my life. I may never have chosen to study writing and follow the path to embrace what I've loved my whole life as I have. I may never have had the strength to diverge from the easy path and take the one less followed even though it was the better choice. So thank you for not only supporting my slightly idealistic whims, but also being the one who told me to chase them no matter the cost.

6. Always expecting me to do my best

This one was a blessing in disguise. I actually hated the fact that my mother expected only my best all the way through high school, but now that I'm away at college I'm forever grateful. My whole life, it was expected that I would, "do your best and if your best is a C, then I'll be proud of a C." But she also knew I could do better. And pushed me to do better. If I was slacking off, I knew I needed to put in the extra work because it was just something that my mother had taught me to do. Now, so many years later, I know that if you aren't putting your best efforts into something then it isn't worth doing. And I'm so thankful that my whole life she expected only my best because now that I'm on my own I know what I can be capable of if I put in the effort.

7. Loving me unconditionally

To whatever end. No matter what. However many miles between us, I know my Mama loves me and it is sometimes the only thing that keeps me sane on tough days at college. Thank you for being my rock, and my confidence when mine is shaken. But thank you more for raising me the way you did, because it taught me how to be a strong woman on my own when the time comes for it, and how to love others unconditionally as you did me.

Nothing could be further than the sky.
"I love you right up to the MOON," he said, and closed his eyes.
"Oh,that's far," said Big Nut Brown Hare. "That's is very far."
Big Nutbrown Hare settled Little Nutbrown Hare into his bed of leaves.
He leaned over and kissed him good night.
Then he lay down close by and whispered with a smile, "I love you right up to the moon — and back."