All my life my mother has been by my side making sure that my life was as perfect as she could make it. "Mom I forgot," was always met with "don't worry I got it." Now that I'm on my own for the first time, there are so many things that I am beginning to understand about you and the way you raised me.

1. You have raised me to be independent.

You taught me how to do things for myself, from laundry to making my bed to writing a check. You taught me to never rely on anyone else for the simple things in life. Even though there's a lot I know, there's still way more that I don't know. I know you'll always be there to teach me how to do it.

2. You have raised me to know my worth.

You always instilled in me the idea that I was my own biggest fan. You taught me that no matter what I do in life, I have to be happy with myself. You have always made sure I knew how amazing you thought I was, making it easy for me to believe that about myself.

3. You have raised me to love everyone.

Only a few times in my life have I heard you talk badly about someone. You always try to see the best in people and treat them with love and respect. Growing up watching you, made it easy for me to understand that every person, no matter what, should be treated with love.

4. You have raised me to be a friend and a listener.

You are the kind of mom who I can go to with anything. You always sit and hear me out and then give me advice on what I should do next. That taught me how to do the same for my friends. You taught me to always listen first and then speak. You raised me to be there for my friends no matter what, like you are for yours.

5. You have set the example of what kind of wife and mother I want to be.

In all my life, I have never met someone as selfless as you. Everything you do is for your family, and I promise you we notice it. You have always been there for me, no matter what. You love your family with your whole heart and soul. There's no better example of the kind of wife and mother I want to be, than you.

Until I got older and moved out for the first time, I didn't understand just how much you do for me. I didn't fully understand what an amazing woman you are, and how you're the strongest woman I know.

If I can be half the woman you are, I'll be happy.