Dear mom,

You've probably noticed by now that I've written about dad a few times, and I know you don't think I love you any less — but you're just as kick-ass as he is, and you deserve so much recognition. You work hard to keep this family together, and I know it would fall apart without you. With that being said, it's important to sometimes take a step back in our fast-paced lives and honor you.

People on the outside might not know how strong you really are. You, very much like me, tend to keep the very private things to yourself. If it's not obvious, nobody will know about it unless they ask. What people don't know is your parents raised you to be a strong leader and a strong mother, just like you raised me to be one day. I don't often think about how much I am my mother's daughter, but with every day that I get older, I am reminded that we are almost identical.

I have your eyes, smile, eyebrows, and the same texture of hair. I have your bunions that you ever-so-lovingly gave to me through genetics (not one of our finer qualities). I have your laugh and your lack of ability to do a simple math problem without freaking out. I have your almost-too-careful ways of preventing drinking and driving, and (luckily) we're pretty identical when it comes to political views. We love margaritas (they must have a salted rim), and if it was up to us, we'd spend three weeks straight watching nothing but Grey's Anatomy.

But more than our similarities, I never want you to forget the solid rock you've been for me. I can come to you for anything in the world, and that to me is one of the most important parental qualities. I can text you at any time of the night, and you'll respond (if you're awake) with some great motherly advice. I know you hate when dad and I tease you about your serious nagging skills, but we only do it because we know you're strong enough to take it.

For a 5'2 little woman, you are a badass that anyone would be scared to cross in a line of fire. You're kind and loving, but when it comes to protecting your family and your children you will stop at nothing to make sure everything is right. For that, and for everything you do and everything you are, I'll never be able to thank you enough.

"Do we have the same exact eye color?"