Ever since I was little, my mom has been my rock. I had trouble understanding kids who would constantly talk about how often they fought with their mom and how they couldn't wait to grow up and get away from her. Like, were all moms really not as cool as mine? I couldn't believe it. From day one I have had an amazing relationship with my mom and I am grateful everyday that I never went through one of those rebellious "I hate you, mom" phases. Sure, there were times when we fought, disagreed, and yelled at each other but deep down I knew she was always right and had my best interests in mind. So this one goes out to my awesome mom (and all other awesome moms out there).
1. First off, thank you for passing down your cynical, sarcastic sense of humor.
Without which, I would not be me and you would not be you. Though our sense of humor is a bit strange (and sardonic), I'm grateful I have at least one person who understands my jokes when no one else does.
2. Thank you for letting me make my own decisions (and mistakes).
I know how hard it was to watch me consistently screw things up for myself, but I would not be who I am today if I had not learned from those mistakes. Thanks for not being a helicopter parent and just letting me do me no matter how much you wanted to stop me.
3. Thank you for never babying me.
Because of you, I am self-reliant, independent, and able to make mature choices (most of the time, anyway).
4. Thank you for putting up with me when I was being the literal worst.
Looking back, I realize how terrible I acted sometimes. Teenagers are moody and difficult, and I was no exception. Thank you for loving me through those bratty, over-emotional moments. And thank you for loving me through future ones.
5. Thank you for making me strong.
Even through the most difficult times, you encouraged me to keep going when I didn't think I could. I know sometimes I'm stubborn and unwilling to ask for help, but you always knew just the right thing to say to stop me from giving up on myself.
6. Thank you for all of the time you spent caring for me.
From cooking dinner to driving back and forth between dance class and music lessons, you did it all through sickness and stress. I'm also sorry I took for granted every load of laundry you did because now that I'm in college, I understand.
7. Thank you for teaching me not to be an a**hole.
The world is full of some pretty awful people, so thank you for showing me how to be the bigger person and treat others with respect. You instilled proper values and morals in me and taught me that being a good person comes before everything else.
8. Thank you for listening to my endless complaints.
I'm sure there were times when all you wanted to do was tell me to grow a pair and get over it, but thank you for just letting me blow off steam. You knew when I just needed to vent.
9. Thank you for showing me I can be anything I want to be (if I put my mind to it).
You taught me to believe in myself no matter what anyone else says. I have you to thank for my strong work ethic and determination to succeed. You always told me that if you have enough faith in yourself, no one else's opinion matters.
10. Thank you for inspiring me.
The job of a mother is never easy, but you did it with ease. Thank you for sometimes sacrificing your own happiness for my own. I will never be able to thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for me. I hope someday I can be half the mom to my children that you are to me.
