The day I left for college, I never realized how much I would miss my mom. If anything, I was relieved that there would be no more petty arguments about being out past curfew or being on my phone too often. But after being away for months at a time, I noticed all of the little things she does for me and how much she cares. My mother is my best friend, and it took a little bit of separation after 18 years to finally figure that out. I am beyond grateful for all that she has done, and continues to do for my brother and me on a daily basis, and her unconditional love for us both. There are so many things that she does that I am thankful for, and I have never really expressed my gratitude. So here are 10 things to thank your mother for:

1. Thank you for always standing behind me.

I know that no matter what I manage to get myself into, you will always be in my corner. Whether it be an argument with my best friend, or getting into a fender bender in the Dunkin' parking lot, you always help me get through it while offering different perspectives on the situation that I was blind to.

2. Thank you for always being right.

There is not one person you weren’t right about. And I am sorry for not believing you, because I should know that my mom always knows best. And when that girl who you didn’t like ended up screwing me over, even though you warned me of her intentions, you were still there to comfort me when our friendship blew up in my face.

3. Thank you for your home cooking.

College has not only made me appreciate you more, but definitely your meals too. Nothing compares to your pulled pork sandwiches or your to-die-for ricotta cheese cake.

4. Thank you for sacrificing so much for me.

In high school, I was gone every weekend for tournaments, but you let me do it because it made me happy. You let me attend a private liberal arts college because I told you it would make me happy, regardless of your initial dislike for the school. Those are just some examples of times you sacrificed so much for my happiness, and for that I am forever grateful.

5. Thank you for never sugar coating it.

You always tell it like it is, and don’t hold back anything. And I value that kind of honesty, because I know exactly what you’re thinking and how you’re feeling. Sure, sometimes I react badly to what you say, but in the end I am so happy you never led me to believe I was something I am not.

6. Thank you for knowing me more than I know myself.

Although I hate to admit it, you can read me like no one else can. Not to mention you’re always two steps ahead of me. I can’t even call you first because two minutes before I go to pick up the phone, it starts ringing and it is none other than you.

7. Thank you for always pushing me to do the best I can.

You never accepted mediocre from me because you knew I could do better than that. You’ve always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. So thank you for always wanting me to shoot for the stars, regardless of where I ended up.

8. Thank you for doting on me when I’m sick.

No one takes care of you better than your mother. I could probably ask you to do 10 burpees, a backflip and then to get me a glass of water and you would do it. The one thing for sure is that whenever I’m sick there is no place I’d rather be other than home with you.

9. Thank you for always waiting up for me.

Although I get angry with you in the moment, thank you for always staying up until you knew I got home safely. It means so much that you care enough to take time from your beauty rest to worry about me. And I’m sorry for making you wait longer than you had to some nights; I know I can be selfish and get caught up with my friends. I never mean to forget about you waiting up for me at home.

10. Thank you for being you.

There is no one in the world like you, and I am so proud to call you my mom. You are the strongest, most beautiful, loving, and hardworking person in the world, and I would be lost without you. So thank you, for giving me everything I’ve ever had, for teaching me everything I know, and for showing me what love really is.