Dear Mom,

It's hard to figure out where to begin. You are so appreciated and loved every single day, but particularly on mothers day.

Thank you for:

1. For always supporting me and being my number one fan

Even when you don't always want to be.

2. For always giving me the best advice

Even if I don't always follow it. Your input is appreciated and listened to.

3. For pushing me out of my comfort zone

Particularly when I'm doubtful or unsure,

4. And showing me that sometimes the best things come out of uncertainty

From friendships to classwork.

5. For speaking to me every single day

Even when it gets exhausting or annoying and we have nothing to say.

6. For doing my laundry before I knew how

7. And then for teaching me how

Let's pretend I actually feel like I know what I'm doing.

8. And how to cook

Even though I still stick to simple staples like pasta or baked chicken.

9. For supporting all my decisions

Even the bad hair jobs. (Blonde was not my color).

10. For teaching me how to love

And more importantly, how to cope when love fails.

11. For dealing with adolescent me

That could NOT have been easy.

12. And still dealing with me today

Sometimes I'm not much better than I used to be.

13. For learning how to handle my mood swings

Yes, I'm working on it.

14. And telling me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear

"It's not good to mope."
"You'll feel better in the morning, sleep on it."
"Don't make rash decisions."

15. For teaching me life's most important lessons

"Sometimes people aren't meant to stay forever."
"This too shall pass."
"It's okay to fail, but it's not okay to not try again."

16. Even if there were some that I had to learn the hard way

Who knew the best motivation to do well was to almost lose the opportunity altogether.

17. For always driving me to sport matches

Even when you hated going.

18. And for all the sacrifices you made

From missing your things to drive me to mine or staying up to work on homework with me even though you were tired, just to name a few.

19. For the care packages

There's nothing better than receiving something "just because".

20. For showing me why it is important to be close to my brother

Monkey see as monkey do.

21. For always being forgiving

Even when I hurt your feelings.

22. And selfless

Thanks for giving things up just to ensure I could have the world.

23. For teaching me about conflict

And that sometimes things are best left unsaid.

24. But also to stand up for myself

"No, you shouldn't ever talk to name omitted again, because what they did wasn't cool."

25. For teaching me about strength

26. And more importantly, for showing me

You're one of the toughest women I know.

27. For helping me grow a thick skin

I learned through you that not everything will always magically turn out in my favor

28. And teaching me about persistence

But always in moderation.

29. For being not only my mom but my friend

Through the ups, downs, anger or confusion. You were always there for me, even when it got rough and difficult.

30. For encouraging me to always be myself

Even if others didn't like it.

31. For showing why family is important

And that you're always going to be my best support system, whether I like it or not.

32. For always doing whatever it takes

To get it done.

33. For letting me spread my wings

You will always be my roots.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Thanks for being the most incredible woman I know. I hope that one day I will be half as incredible and special as you.

Happy Mothers Day.