Too often we take for granted the things that our mothers do for us because we view them as “just mom things”. And we forget that in the midst of your mom always making you feel loved and appreciated, she needs to be loved and appreciated, too. So here are some of the long-overdue thank yous that I should have told you a long time ago:

1. Thank you for scheduling all of my appointments for me.

Because God knows I would never be able to force myself to go to the dentist on my own.

2. Thank you for all of the spontaneous shopping trips.

And for always going out to dinner with me afterward, despite how much money we already spent impulsively buying those five new outfits.

3. Thank you for packing me home-cooked dinners to bring back to college with me.

Because Domino's delivery is starting to get very bad for my health and for my bank account.

4. Thank you for always being the taxi cab, and for never complaining about it.

For every sports game, play practice, club meeting, and sleepover - you always got me where I needed to go.

5. Thank you for giving the best hugs.

Because at the end of a long day, it is really nice to have a shoulder to lean on.

6. Thank you for always believing in me.

From every childhood dream to what I chose as a career path, you only ever wanted me to be happy. And you always made me feel like I was enough.

7. Thank you for never being too busy to share morning coffees with me.

And for singing along to the "Golden Girls" theme song.

8. Thank you for saying "no".

Back then I was selfish and angry, but now I know you only wanted what was best for me.

9. Thank you for always being a phone call away.

Because no matter how far apart we are, your voice always sounds like a blessing to me.