Dear Mom,

Happy birthday! I have been trying to come up with something to give you for your birthday. I asked around and around, and I couldn't come up with something good and something from the heart. Then it hit me. I can write a (online) letter to you. Since I know you, I'm warning you now that you should go get a box of Kleenex now before you continue reading.

Having you as a mother, as a role model, as a personal cheerleader, and as a friend is one of the biggest blessings I was given. You (with Dad's help) taught me what it means to be the better person, even when I was the one who was hurt. You taught me what a good work ethic looks like by working as a hard as you have all these years. You taught me to look to The Man Upstairs and my grandparents in heaven when I'm struggling to get through a day or when I'm in need of some guidance. You taught me that the right man will come alone when I least expect it and completely sweep me off my feet. You taught me that it's never too late to pursue your dreams by going back to college to get a degree. You taught me- by watching Dad and you- what it means to love unconditionally, love through the tough times, love during the happy times, and that love is more than the Hallmark movies make it out to be. You taught me how to be strong even when the universe seems to be against you. You taught me how to fight like a girl when you found out that you had breast cancer and knew that you had a husband and three kids who needed you to fight.

I can't wait for the day you get your degree in education. I can't wait for the day you get to see me graduate college and pursue my dreams. I can't wait for the day you get to see me engaged to the man who came when I least expected it. I can't wait for the day you get to see me walk down the aisle to that same man. I can't wait for the day when I get to be what you are to me; I can't wait for you to meet my future children and I know in my heart that they are blessed with an amazing grandma (who will likely spoil them).

Since I don't say it enough, I love you and thank you. Thank you for being my number one fan, my biggest supporter, my rock in times of struggles, my friend, and my role model. You've always been there for me when I needed you most. You've always known just what to say to make me feel better. All the lessons you've passed on to me, all the advice you've given to me- free of charge- all the memories we share, well, Mom, they shaped me into the woman I am today.

I hope you enjoy your birthday, and I'm sorry I'm not able to celebrate it with you.

Love,

Melissa