Dear Mom,

I'm sorry for the constant text messages and phone calls. I know you're very busy with work but I miss you and don't really know how to turn on the washing machine in my apartment just yet.

I'm sorry for always being so anxious all of the time. I know my anxiety can impact yours and I don't want to ever make you feel bad.

I'm sorry that I can't function like the average 19 year-old girl. Getting out of bed is tough sometimes and trying to be happy all of the time is sometimes just not attainable for me.

I'm sorry that I don't show my emotions as much as I should. I know it hurts when we fight and I throw out those cold-hearted jabs. They're not very nice and I know how they make you feel.

But most of all, I'm sorry that I'll probably call you at least 300 more times this week!

Fortunately for you and whoever reads this, it will NOT be as sad as it started out.

This is not just a letter for you but it is a thank you letter TO you.

Thank you for giving me the most special and loving childhood growing up. I know you did absolutely everything to make sure that I felt supported and loved.

Thank you for volunteering at every single PTA event, for being the Team Mom, and the Class Mom and bringing special treats into school for my birthday.

Thank you for holding my hand through the tough times and pushing me forward after all of my setbacks.

Thank you for not letting my anxiety control who I am and for getting me the help and extra support I needed.

Thank you for holding back your tears when you see me cry. (I know that one is hard)

Thank you for sitting on the couch and binge-watching Big Brother, Schitt's Creek and every Chicago show with me.

Thank you for driving me to school everyday because I could never sit on the bus in the morning.

Thank you for being the perfect image of Grammy. I know how hard you have worked to make sure her spirit stays alive and I see pieces of her in you every single day.

Thank you for making my favorite birthday cake every year and cupcakes for when I was away at school.

Thank you for appreciating the little things in life. Watching you has paved the way for me to do the same.

Thank you for guiding me through 15+ years of school. (I have a lot to go so get ready for an exciting ride!)

Thank you for picking me up when I was down and raising me even higher when I thought I had peaked.

But most of all, thank you for being my mom. Thank you for instilling values and faith in me; something not a lot of people are lucky to have. And thank you for loving me so deeply. I love you just as much if not more!

Love you a hundred, billion, trillion, million, zillion!

~ Alyssa