Dear Mom,

While this letter doesn't encompass everything that should be said, please accept it as a thank you. From the time I was born to today in college, I love communicating with you, especially during my days here at university.

I love telling you about the good things and bad things that are happening in my life. I love coming home to see you and the best dog in the entire world, hanging out and just catching up. Or running around town doing all of our favorite things so we can make more wonderful memories together. Because of you, you have enriched my life and taught me how to be a model citizen and a respectable young woman. Here are some things that I wanted to say thank you for, especially now that I am in college/university.

1. For being supportive.

This goes without saying. Whenever I needed anything you are always there to guide, talk, comfort me in whatever I need/needed. I know that's what being a mom is all about, but you go way above and beyond to make sure that I feel supported in my endeavors.

2. For showing me what a good (and successful) person looks like.

You never cease to amaze me of how kind and gentle of a person you can be even when things look rocky. You not only handled raising me as a powerful, single mom and business owner, but you even helped to take care of your parents during times when it was so hard to even get out of bed in the morning.

You've done everything with a smile on your face because you knew it had to be done or it wouldn't ever get done. I have seen you pick yourself back up and go back stronger than ever. You are a true inspiration to me and you show me that I can do anything I set my mind to. You have even gone back to school! It's amazing.

3. For always telling me I CAN do anything I put my mind to.

Tying this into being a successful person, Mom, you have always told me that I can do anything I wanted to do in life as long as I could dream it. You (along with Babci and Pa) said that getting an education is one of the most critical aspects of life. And without an education, people are awfully stupid. I know that because I've had a strong, independent nature about me, I truly can do anything I want to do in life.

4. Being my rock when times are difficult or hard to weather through.

As a young child, you and I both know how difficult summers used to be for the both of us. You were (and are still) the person to keep it together as best as you could given the circumstances. Thank you for keeping it together -- I know it was extremely tough to do.

5. But most of all, for being my Mom, the Perfect Fan!

All in all, through the good and not so good times you have been here for all of it and I cannot find the words other than "thank you" for everything you have done. And I know what you're probably thinking as you close on this letter of sorts: "But that's what any good mom would have done." Well, you're not just any mom, you're MY mom, and I am so grateful and thankful you are here. Thank you, mom. As the Backstreet Boys once said...

"You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
You showed me
Just how to walk without your hands
'Cause mom you always were
The perfect fan."