Growing up, you never think about thanking your mom for all that she did. My mom has been the best mom I could ask for. I never have actually looked at all that my mom has done, until recently. I have been looking back at all my mom has done to make me who I am. My mom has become a mom and a dad when she was grieving, and that is something only the strongest type of person can do.

Thank you, Mom. I now see the long hours that you have put in taking over dad’s company. I see the long hours of conference calls you take, and how you take multiple meetings a day. I now see the long nights that you would spent worrying whether or not we'd be okay. You would worry about us and how we were grieving, instead of worrying about yourself. You stayed strong and kept my life as normal as it could be.

Thank you, Mom. You taught me what it means to be strong, and what it means to be resilient. You have always said that I was the resilient one, and that I could always bounce back; the only way I got to be this way is because of what you ingrained in me as a child to now. You taught me that I need to always see the bright side of all things. You taught me that no matter what happens, no matter where I go, you will always be there. You taught me that families stick together no matter what.

I may have made fun of you for being a helicopter mom and being very protective of me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that no matter where I am or what situation I am in, you are always going to be there. I love that you have stood by my side no matter how good or bad I have been. I love that I can be completely honest with you and not get judged. I love that you have become more than a mom and friend, but you have become a role model. You are who I want to be when I grow up.

Because of you, I am independent, motivated, smart, and hard working. Because of you, after dad died when I was 17 years old I was strong enough to go back to school. I was strong enough to go to Spain and do what he would of wanted me too. You always ask me was I a good mother? You ask was I strict enough or was I too strict? You asked me was I good enough? Did I push too hard or too little? I can honestly say, you were the best mom any girl could ask for. You were always there for me and you were there for me even when I didn’t think I needed someone.

I know that dad, who is looking down on us, is so proud of you. He is so proud of what you have accomplished with the store and in life. He so happy that you continue to live your life honoring him every day in all that you do. You have raised two amazing kids who love you so much. Loosing dad has brought closer than ever before and you are the glue that keeps us together. You are the sun that brings light every day and a smile on our face. So, thank you for everything you have don and the sacrifices you have made to make our family be where it is today. I am so proud of you and dad would be too.