Every morning when I was younger, my mom would sing to my sister and I, “you are my sunshine my only sunshine..” and that is how we woke up almost everyday. Being a child, I never really knew how lucky I was that my mom was there to wake me up this way everyday and was able to be apart of my whole day. With time things have changed, we have all grown up, but my mom's love and devotion to us has never changed. So, I would like to thank my mom, my amazing mom, for all that she has done for me.

First off, thank you for being my best friend. So many girls and their moms just do not get along, but I am glad that we do. From going out to dinner, taking a hike or singing at the top of our lungs in the car, I know we will always have a good time together. You are the best friend that I know I will always have behind me and never have to worry about turning on me.

Thank you for putting up with all of the drama. Whether it be school drama, sibling drama or any type, you are always there to listen. I know sometimes you do not know what’s going on or you think it is unimportant, but you always listen and are willing to share your opinion with me and you know that your opinion means a lot.

Thank you for knowing what is best for me before I know it myself. As much as I hate to admit it, you are almost always right. That boy you had a bad feeling about, he broke my heart like you warned me he would. That comment I made while mad, it still haunts me. There is nothing I hold higher than your opinion because I know you know what is best for me.

Thank you for supporting my dreams. I know that sometimes the things I want seem farfetched, but you are always willing to stand behind me. When I wanted to go to college, you supported me every step of the way and getting that admission letter and seeing how proud of me you were, continues to make me strive to be better. Your support makes me feel that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Thank you for being so strong. I know that we have gone through hell and back multiple times, but you always made the best of the situation. I know how hard you work to take care of us, working almost two full schedules, and I appreciate it more than I ever know. I only hope that one day when I grow up and have children, that they think that I am as strong as you are.

Lastly, thank you for being such a great role model. I know many girls who want nothing more than to be the exact opposite of their mothers, but not me. I want to have the strength to stand up for myself the way that you do, to be as independent and loving as you are.

Mom, you are my sunshine. I have never missed someone as much as I miss you. I know you say I chose to leave home, but I left so I can become as strong and independent as you are. I love you more than you will ever know and I am more than proud to be your daughter.

XOXO Madsy