Dear Mom,

Things have changed. I’m growing up. I’m in my twenties now, and all of a sudden you have gone from someone I never thought I would be able to get along with… to my best friend. I don’t know when exactly this change took place. Since beginning college, I have changed so much. Your little girl has had to learn how to take care of herself. And, for the first time, I am realizing just how much I have relied on you my whole life.

I can remember yearning to be your best friend when I was little. I was so much younger than you, yet all I wanted was to be the same age as you. I would beg you to play Barbie’s constantly, and I can still remember times that you sat down and entered into my world of plastic dolls. We would play hide and seek before bed every night and I would secretly watch all of your TV shows while you thought I was sleeping. We even wore matching Halloween costumes to go out trick-o-treating, because I loved being just like you.

You always stood up for me, and fought for what was best for me. Even when I would mess up, you were right there to pick up the pieces for me. You put aside the anger, and expressed the forgiveness that I surely didn’t deserve all the time. You were always there for me. My fear of sleepovers would keep me from staying at friends’ houses, but you always allowed me to blame it on you so that I wouldn’t get embarrassed. I think I used the excuse, “sorry, my mom said no”, more than any other kid ever. I still find myself using the “mom” excuse from time to time. But, you always told me that if I ever needed someone’s help, you were the first person to call. I always needed you, and still do.

There was a time when we started to grow apart. I became a teenager and suddenly I no longer wanted to be your best friend, I wanted friends of my own. I complained that you were too strict, and limited me in too many ways. But, now I know that I needed those limitations. I needed your guidance in my life. I have now realized how silly I was to have tried to push you away in order to be a “cool” teenager, because you are the best friend I have ever had and will ever have. You understand me more than anyone does.

Since I was a kid, you have been pushing me to become the strong, confident, and smart person that I believe I am today. But, I would not have been able to achieve all of my success without your influence. I fight hard for what I believe in, because I never saw you give up. I understand that the media does not depict true beauty; because you taught me there is beauty in everyone. I try hard to see the good in every situation, because you refused to see the negative even on the worst days. You taught me how to love others unconditionally, and even how to love myself.

You always worked so hard to provide for our family, and to ensure the best for all of your children. You are someone who tries so hard in order to make sure that everyone around you is happy. You have the most beautiful soul I have ever known. I consider myself lucky to have just known you, and blessed to be able to call you my mother. I can’t wait for all the years to come and to grow closer to you, as not only my mom, but also my friend.

Love always,

Your Daughter