To my Mom,

My birthday is so much more than just my birthday. It's just as much your day as it is mine. However many years ago on that day, you brought new life into the world. For that, I admire you, and I thank you.

I'll never get sick of you telling stories about our special day, or joking that I'm not a year older until the exact minute that I was born.

The picture of our first time meeting will always make me smile. How cool is it that I met my best friends (mom and dad) as soon as I was born? We have grown so close since those first few moments together, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

On my birthday, our special day, we celebrate not only another year that I have gained, but the day that you performed one of the greatest things a human can do. You carried me for nine months, but, truly, in a sense, you have carried me my whole life.

Without our special day, I wouldn't have a twin (you), an almost annoying habit to have to look presentable every time I leave the house, a need to pack ten more outfits than is necessary, someone to call whenever I am bored or just want to talk and so much more.

I want to thank you for bringing me into this world and for holding my hand through my entire life.

I want to thank you for putting on so many celebrations for me over the years. Now, I realize that it really is a celebration for the both of us. Every birthday party was just as much for you as it was for me.

I want to thank you for being "the cool mom."

I want to thank you for being the best person to share a special day with. I wouldn't want to share my spotlight with anyone else.

Most of all, I want to thank you for being not only a mother, but my best friend and confidant.

You have taught me more than any book, teacher or mistake ever has or ever will. You have taught me how to love fearlessly, laugh endlessly and live beautifully. I hope I grow up to be a quarter of the woman you are and that I will always see life as a glass half full like you do.

I love you more than the moon and the stars, forever and always,

Your daughter