She knew as soon as she saw that tiny picture on the ultrasound screen that she would forever love me, and even though we have good and bad days, I know at the end of it that she will always be the woman who loved me first in this world.

As I prepare to move out of my childhood home and dip my feet into the pool of adulthood, I am haunted at the thought of not having my mom by my side every day (I know a little childish, but I'm a mommy's girl at heart). Although I know she is just a phone call or short drive away, it will feel as if I am a million miles from home. The thing about my mom and I is that she is honestly my best friend, and I would not trade the world for her.

So, mommy, I am writing to you to thank you for all you do for me. I honestly would not be here on this earth today without you.

Thank you, for always supporting my dreams, for having my back and telling me when I make dumb decisions, for always calling me on my bullshit, and knowing when to let me make my own mistakes.

I know I am just as stubborn and pig-headed as you, because as much as I fight for you not to help, you do the same to me. However, I know I would not be the woman I am today without the unyielding guidance you give me.

Thanks to you I know how to love unconditionally. I know that faith out weighs all, and that family is the most important thing your life can evolve around. You have taught me to be a smart, god-fearing, woman and to that I thank you, mom. You have taught me that is okay to have career goals and be a mom one day, and that if I do not want that it is okay. As long as I am comfortable in my own skin and who I am as a person. You always say I am wise beyond my years, and I believe it is because you have allowed me to have a sense of what independence is while still being an adult in your home. I am glad that you and Dad are always there to help me when I need it, but I am also glad that you made me learn the value of paying my bills on time, and what it means to work hard in school all at the same time. For this I am forever grateful.

So, mom, as much as this is hard for me, I know it is a thousand times harder for you that your baby girl is leaving home for good. That I will not be home after work every night, and that I won't be able to go on grocery store trips with you, where I beg you for whatever new gluten free item is on the shelf this week. Soon, it will be me on my own, figuring out how to balance my own life, and still come home to see you. I know this will be an adjustment to how life has worked in our home for the last 21 years, however, I know deep down this is what has to be done. So, I can grow up, and figure out who I am as an adult in this scary world of ours.

Mom, do not fret, because as you always say it is all in God's plan for us. So, I will pray to be half the woman you are. I love you Mommy, and thank you for loving me first in this world, without you I do not know where I would be today.