Hi, mom. I miss you a lot, and I know you know this by now because I tell you every day. I miss our car rides and breakfast dates and cuddling up on the couch to watch movies. I know you're always a phone call or even a short drive away, but sometimes it can be hard not seeing you every day. While I'm away at school, I often think of you and all that you did for me, especially now that I'm doing (or trying to do) everything for myself.

Thank you for teaching me what it means to love unconditionally through the way you have loved me. Thank you for sacrificing daily in order to be the best mom you could be. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue all of my dreams, even as a little kid. Thank you for pushing me to try new things and to always step out of my comfort zone. Thank you for being there for me the first 18 years of my life.

But thank you even more for being there now. Thank you for answering almost every time I call, no matter what time of day. Thank you for praying over me when I need it most and when I don't need it at all. Thank you for encouraging me when I'm down and for always giving me a little sense of positivity when I can't seem to find it on my own. Thank you for sending me the perfect care package at the perfect time and for always knowing when I could use a picture of my dog at home.

I know I'm technically an adult now and am learning how to do everything on my own, but if it hadn't been for you all these years, I wouldn't have a clue about surviving on my own. But because of you, I know more than just basic everyday skills like doing my laundry. You taught me what it means to be a good person, how to love others and love them well. You pointed me to the cross in every valley and every peak I have faced and you showed me how to serve others daily.

Without you, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. I know we have our fair share of arguments and sometimes don't see eye-to-eye, but at the end of every day, I have a best friend and the best mom in you.

So thank you mom, for everything. I love you to the moon and back.

XOXO, Your daughter