Dear Mom,
Our lives have been crazy, with lots of unexpected change. But through all the turmoil and heartbreak, you brought joy. You made sure our home was always a happy and safe place to be. When we needed you, you stepped up. I still don't know how you managed to raise two kids, pay the bills, and go back to school. You truly are Wonder Woman, and I've always been in awe of you. Watching you work so hard night after night at the kitchen counter showed me how to work hard for something that is important to you. You were teaching me lessons even when you didn't know it and I work everyday to make you proud.
You have always been my biggest supporter in anything I do, whether it be a new diet I'm trying, every summer theatre camp in middle school, cross country in 6th grade, or tough college classes I know that I have you backing me up. You've given me the courage and knowledge to try new things and to work my hardest at them. Having your full support in whatever I do is the most amazing gift you could give. I love telling you about my accomplishments, but I always know that I can come to you with my failures. Your love and support never waiver.
Mom, you've taught me how to love. You have taught me to love the sight of the mountains, because that's one of God's best creations. You have taught me how to love the night sky and all the constellations. We've had some of our best conversations under the stars, and I love warm summer nights when we stay up late and have our heart to hearts. You've taught me how to love good music, and some of my favorite memories are of you, Will, and I dancing in the kitchen at midnight to Led Zeppelin, Mr. Blotto, and The Lumineers. You have taught me how to love good food, and maybe one day you'll teach me how to love good wine. (But that day is not coming anytime soon, because that stuff you drink is as dry as the Sahara Desert.) Most importantly, you have taught me how to love people. You've taught me not to pass judgements, to love your neighbor, and to love with my whole heart.
I don't know a stronger woman. You have shown me how to get up, dust myself off, and keep going. You have the warmest heart, but you are made of steel. You don't ever let anything show, you just continue to move and get better every single day. You are the most amazing role model any daughter could ever have. You have given my siblings and I the best of everything even when it wasn't easy, and you always made sure that we were happy and healthy. You've put us before yourself and shown what an amazing woman you are just by being you.
Throughout my life you often said, "I'm not your friend, I'm your mom." But now, that I've grown up, I'm so proud to say that you're my best friend. I love confiding in you and I love that you confide in me. It's so amazing to know that I'll forever have a best friend who loves me unconditionally.
I won't ever be able to tell you enough, but I love you more than anything in the world. Thank you for being you, Mom.