Dear Mom,

One day I looked in the mirror, curious of why I am the person I am today. I thought about my personality and my mannerisms, realizing they are so similar to yours. I looked at the way I dress and my facial structure that uncannily resembles so much of you. Slowly but surely, I modeled my life after you, and for that I cannot be thankful enough.

Let’s start at the very beginning. From the moment I was born, I was completely surrounded in an embrace of unconditional love, it is a feeling that compares to being wrapped in the coziest and warmest blanket you could find. Every night before bed, you would tell me you love me to the moon and back, and I would think about what a crazy amount that is. Teaching me how to accept and spread a love like this is a virtue I hold near and dear; it is the greatest gift you have ever given me.

Moving on to my terrible toddler years, there was the good, the bad, and the seemingly ugly mismatched outfit choices. Being the free spirit you are, you sometimes let me pick out my own outfits for the day, which I always seemed to enjoy a little too much. This meant going on grocery store trips with my Mickey Mouse rain boots and a Christmas dress in July. Nonetheless you taught me to be myself and gave me a good sense of what self-confidence is.

Throughout my childhood, you always reminded me to lead a happy but patient life. Of course, there were times when I would get unbelievably frustrated and upset. However, your calm voice would always reassure me “good things come in time.” Learning the value of patience and hard work is a special gift I will cherish for the rest of my life.

When I rounded the corner into my teenage years, I felt the immense need for independence. All I ever wanted to do was "grow up." This must have been a hard period of time for you, as I distanced myself a bit to try and figure out the person I wanted to be. Looking back on that now, I regret that I pushed you away. How did I ever think that was a good idea?

Now I’m all grown up and I’ve moved away from home, but do you know what I’ve realized? Absence makes the heart grow fonder. As I sit here writing you this letter, millions of fragmented memories swirl in my mind, all reassuring me of how grateful I am to have you as my mother.

Mom, I cannot begin to thank you enough. You have made me the person I am today and have filled my existence with love, laughter, and the best morals and values to live by. As always, I love you to the moon and back.