To all you single mothers out there on Father's Day,

It is nearly impossible to put into words how much you mean to me. I know sometimes I am difficult, complicated, needy, and naive, but you have done one hell of a job of showing me the meaning of strength, wisdom, and courage. Your job is not easy, playing both the mother and father roles in my life. From cooking to teaching me about sports to cleaning to being there for me to grilling to helping me with my homework, you have done an incredible job in playing both the mother AND father role in our lives. Above all the things you have taught me, you have taught me how to be independent and still be a great human being.

Knowing you have done your best to provide, protect, feed, and love me like no one else is what makes me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to; whether I am married or not I am confident, intelligent, and able. You run our home, pay the bills, look after yourself AND us, while simultaneously working and handling whatever curveball life throws your way. You probably never set out to be a single parent, but you set out to be the best parent you can be, and that has never changed.

You have given me double the love I have ever needed. This is more than just a thank you, because that still is not enough. This is putting all the words together to describe my never-ending gratitude and appreciation for you. As I grow up, I realize how much work and how hard it must have been to have finished raising me on your own. Balancing work, household duties, raising me, and just life in general must have been hard, but I want you to know it was worth it. You raised me to be a strong, independent, loving human, much like yourself, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Taking on single motherhood was probably one of the most challenging things you ever had to face. Whether it was your decision to take on parenting alone or something happened that turned your world upside down, on behalf of all of your children I want to say one thing: thank you. Anyone can be a mother, but it takes a special kid of person to be a dad, too. Thank you for making me the strong person I am today, and I hope one day to be half as strong as you. Here's to you, not only my mother, but my compassionate, supportive, kick ass single mom and best friend. I love you. Happy Father's Day, Mommy.

You are loved. You are appreciated. You are our world. Thank you.