To my mother:

Actually, this is to my mother, my mom, my mommy, and even my madre:

Where do I begin? Mother's Day is coming up-- or it's maybe even passed when you read this-- but you deserve a letter. Actually, you deserve all the letters I could write. You've been one of my caretakers, my #1 fan, and much more. You've helped me see the world and learn the difference between right and wrong. You've casted my fears away and reminded me why it's so hard to stay away from home for so long.

You're my best friend, funny enough. It's not every day that a daughter has the joy of saying that.

It's not every day that a daughter can say she enjoyed watching "Magic Mike" with her mother, or always watch any of the "Step Up" movies whenever it comes up. I've loved going shopping with you and criticizing the choirs we'd see to help me earn credit during the sophomore year of high school. I loved being able to say that you helped with Girl Scouts and you became involved with soccer when you saw that no one took care of the junior varsity team. Funny enough, I even enjoy going to Grandma and Papaw's with you, even though we're constantly frustrated during the visit. It's so fun to travel with you and discover little nooks and crannies I wouldn't have found otherwise.

I don't say this enough to you, but thank you. You don't have to go above and beyond for your kids. You deserve more than just one Mother's Day; you deserve appreciation every single day. My best friend deserves more than 24 hours.

I'm glad you love us enough to not only look after our wellbeing, but to look out for our happiness, too. A dictionary just defines your role as being "a female parent," but it doesn't describe about the hours of sleep you've lost by waiting up for me to come home, even though I'm almost 21 already. It doesn't describe the concern and relief you felt when I told you I found a living space for next year. I'm so grateful you went beyond the definition of mother to be my mom. It's because of all of it that I've come to be who I am today.

So for Mother's Day, and every day before and after it, I will continue to appreciate you more with each day. I'll continue to kiss you in public and tell you "I Love You Too!" in public. I will never be ashamed of loving, appreciating, and being proud of my mother. You're worth all of these emotions and then some.

Sincerely,

Your daughter, your baby, your sweetie, and your travel buddy.