Thank you. That seems so small to say to someone so largely impactful in my life. I wish I could say more, but I know you wouldn't mind if I didn't even say that. You are a humble person with the world's biggest heart and undeniable mental strength. You have become not only an inspiration to me, but truly my hero.

I remember meeting you just as all people remember meeting their hero. You stood so tall and so strong, even then. Your smile lit up the room and you instantly could make a room of strangers feel like longtime friends. You always have had that power to make us all one, and form a better world just purely from being you.

You're not like the heroes I've always known from my books or shows growing up. No, you're a real-life hero. That doesn't always mean you have to be on television for doing something remarkable because what you do still changes and helps lives. You are still someone who makes a difference purely by being you. I can't help but look up to you and all that you do.

You may just be an everyday person, doing what you love. You may consider yourself to be lucky to be able to help the world in the ways you do. But I know that we're lucky to have someone like you. I know that you are truly the definition of what a hero is and should always be.

A hero doesn't have to have a cape and save terrified women from burning buildings, though I know you probably would if you could. Heroes simply have to make the world a better place even if that's only by one person's life. I am that one person that you've become a hero to and here's why.

1. You motivate me.

I have a passion and a drive inside of me, but you always lit the fire a little bit brighter. You have helped me discover that I can be pushed and exceed the limits I've set for myself. You have given me more hope and shown me through your own actions there is no end to success, as there is always another step you can take. I have seen it not only through your drive and your victories but in what you make me see in myself.

2. You don't give up.

I know that times get hard sometimes and I feel like they may never get better, but I don't think you've ever felt that way. I've seen you in the worst of situations and you always seem to find the positive. You really understand that whole "light at the end of the tunnel" thing. It again refers back to my previous point, how can I ever give up when you motivate me to push through and become who I'm destined to be.

3. You understand through patience and selflessness.

In a world full of quick decisions and miscommunication, there you stand. You know there's always something else to know the entire story fully. You know people come from different places and points, but you treat all the same and that's why you succeed so well. You find the best in people and in situations. Though, I know you may not always believe it, but I've seen it. You don't always get it right, but I've watched as you've grown and seen the best of people and situations and rolled with it because it's what you had to do. You care about people more than yourself and that is above all a quality that shines so bright.

4. You are strong and independent.

You have strong people behind you and beside you, but you, as one person, are stronger than an entire village. You know who you are and are true to yourself. You couldn't make me prouder of who you are if you tried, but that's why you know you can do it on your own and that's why you can do anything you set your mind to.

5. You are brave and courageous.

I've never met someone who has so much bravery inside them. Each day, you take things on like it's nothing, when I know so many who would complain. You are more than just a person in the way you carry yourself and put yourself out there for the betterment of other's lives.

6. I am now a better me because of you.

With everything I've mentioned and the many things I'm sure I've forgotten to include, I want you to know that my success is my own, but I do appreciate all that you've done to get me here. I don't know where I'd stand if I didn't have a hero like you. You inspire me, you care, you are the person I'm lucky to know and I couldn't love you anymore for that. So once again, thank you - I'll spend a lifetime cherishing the hero I've found inside you.