Dear Mommy,

Over the past 19 years, we’ve had our ups and downs, but I wouldn’t be the strong, independent girl I am today without you. For that I would like to say thank you.

1. Thank you for being my number 1 fan.
2. And coming to every single dance competition.
3. Even when it seemed like I didn’t appreciate your company.
4. Thank you for forcing me to take hard classes.
5. Even when I thought I wasn’t smart enough.
6. And always believing in my abilities.
7. Thank you for planning family vacations.
8. Because they’re some of my favorite childhood memories.
9. Thank you for telling me I look beautiful no matter what.
10. Even when I’m wearing no makeup and my hair’s a mess.
11. Because I value your opinion more than anyone’s.
12. Thank you for letting me make mistakes.
13. And telling me that you’d always be there to support me.
14. Thank you for reading to me before I went to bed.
15. Even when you were exhausted from a long day at work.
16. Because it engraved a love for reading in me.
17. Thank you for packing my lunch.
18. And doing my laundry.
19. Thank you for making sure we always had family dinners.
20. Even if we had orchestra concerts or softball games.
21. Because family is the most important thing.
22. Thank you for teaching me your Italian heritage.
23. Even though I’m as pale as a ghost, I’ll never forget I’m 50% Italian.
24. Thank you for yelling at me.
25. Even though it sucked at the time.
26. Because it taught me discipline and responsibility.
27. Thank you for buying me gloves.
28. Even when I lost one.
29. And another.
30. And another.
31. Thank you for taking me to my doctor’s appointments.
32. Even when you have to leave work early.
33. Because you always put me before yourself.
34. Thank you for teaching me life lessons.
35. Like “never go to bed mad at somebody”.
36. And “don’t lie; the truth will always come out”.
37. Thank you for making me wear a coat.
38. Even when it definitely was not cold enough for a coat.
39. Because you care so much about my health and me.
40. Thank you for paying for my college.
41. Even when I came in as an undecided major.
42. And then changed my major.
43. And then changed it again.
44. Thank you for making me laugh.
45. Even though you think you’re funnier than you actually are.
46. But I love you and your humor anyways.
47. Thank you for being the best mom in the whole universe.
48. And loving me unconditionally.
49. Thank you for letting me go.
50. And knowing that I’ll always come back.