I don't say this often enough, but thank you. From the day I was born, we had a connection unlike many mother-daughter pairings, and our relationship has been the most fulfilling thing in my life for a long time. While there are times that we get upset with each other, it's hard to stay that way for long - and soon enough, we're back to joking around like always.

Thank you for always being honest with me, even when I didn't want to hear it. Sooner or later, I always came around and realized that you were right. Thank you for pushing me to my limit, but not past it. Your constant encouragement pushed me to the point where I was challenged, but never burnt out. Thank you for offering grace and mercy for all of the many times that I have messed up. Thank you for never questioning my decisions, for trusting that I was following where God was leading me.

Thank you for letting me go to a school that I love, even though it means it is costing you a lot of money and stress. Thank you for telling me you love me every night, even if I get annoyed sometimes. Thank you for never being a helicopter parent. I appreciate the trust you have for me so much. Thank you for never hounding me about my schoolwork, even through I don't exactly need much hounding. Thank you for always pointing me to Jesus.

I love how I can be vulnerable around you. I feel like I can tell you anything. Thank you for picking up the phone (most of the time) and for always being willing to help me, especially when it comes to my education class. You've saved my life with that a couple of times. Thank you for never drilling me about boys, because I don't really like talking about it anyway. Thank you for coming to visit me. Most of all, thank you for loving me unconditionally when I've given you no reason to. I don't think there will ever be anyone else on earth who will love me like that. You are my best friend, my movie partner, and someone I can rely on at any moment of the day. I love you, and I am so thankful that I have someone like you as a mother.