No matter what you convince yourself over and over again when you feel like you've done nothing but fail as a mother, it's all complete nonsense. You are the most loving person, and the only person I would ever want to call my mom.

Over the past few years, you've had to take on a lot. You went through, and, well, still are going through, the phases all teens have: "my life is ending," drama, etc. How do you put up with me? I must say, I'm truly impressed with your talent in tackling those battles. You hit it out of the ballpark with your advise.

One thing that I do need to get off of my chest is an apology. An apology for all of the years I put you through of making you even have to feel like you have failed in the first place. All of the times I told you that you wouldn't be able to help me, or understand, it was only because I was hurting. I was lost, I was confused. And nothing that anyone said was the right thing. But I promise, you helped me so much. I wish I could go back and tell myself all of the things that I know now, that you were just trying to help me... And that you were right. I'm sorry that there are days that I am not as loving as I should be. I'm sorry that there are days that I am angry at the whole world for no reason at all. But more than anything, I'm sorry that when those things happen, I allow myself to hurt you. You have a bigger heart than anyone I know. So I hope you forgive me for the times that I am not a very loving, kind, caring person.

I guess what I'm trying to say through all of this is that you're extraordinary. I thank God every single day that I have you to thank for raising me into the person I am today. You have NEVER failed as a mother. Everything you have done for me throughout the years is more than I even knew was capable. You have given me everything and more and there hasn't been one second where you let me down.

I am forever grateful to you and all that you are. I aspire to be half of the women you are one day, but I don't know if anyone could possibly fill shoes that big. I love you so much, Mom.

Thank you.