In my opinion, everybody deserves a mom who is their best friend. I know that it's not the case for everyone, but for me, I could not feel more blessed to have the mother I do.

Growing up, I always knew I loved my family and that I got a pretty good one. I went through a stage like most teenagers do where they despise their parents, and looking back I regret it so much since the relationship my mom and I have now is the most special thing I have in my life.

Not only is my mom pretty much the exact same person as me not only in personality, but we look like we could be twins, she is my legit twin. I can't count the times that she and I have been sitting in the kitchen just talking casually and all of a sudden we are there for two more hours having a deep conversation about life or the world or our opinions and I love it. We have the same views on so many topics I love having rants with her and it feels like I'm talking to a reflection of me since we just go on and on about everything together.

Coming to college is hard because not only do I not have my mom, but I don't have my best friend. I constantly am thinking of her and wanting to tell her everything that happens, but I know she wouldn't get it since she's not here. I know all the things I laugh at on a daily basis she would laugh at too. I know she's only a phone call away but I miss cuddling with her on the couch when it's just her and I home and we talk about anything and everything together for hours upon hours. Also, all the times we crank up the radio and sing our hearts out to every country song. We embarrassingly dance around the house and I know if anyone saw us they'd think we're crazy, but it's my favorite thing. I miss not having her to do that with.

The first weekend I was here for college the Seahawks game was on and I couldn't help but cry because it is was always mine and my family's tradition to sit down every Sunday (and the occasional Monday and Thursday) ever since I was a baby to watch the game together. It was always me and mom who ended up glued to the couch the entire game together while my dad and brother would get up to do stuff. It was hard only texting our thoughts during the game when we usually get to be together and say them to each other.

My mom is the strongest woman I know and I could never imagine being as strong and kind hearted as she is. It's crazy how caring she is. I have never met a person who puts others before themselves more than my mom. In everything she does, she constantly thinks of others and it's an incredible gift I envy. She amazes me in everything she does. I strive to be like her when I become a mother and I can only hope to be half as amazing as her. Not only is she such an amazing person, she is so humble. She would never admit she is the most caring and never wants the credit. Myself and everyone in her world know it though, and she deserves to know it, too. She is my hero and I am so thankful and blessed that she is my mom. I love you more than you will ever know momma. Thank you for everything.

-Your proud daughter