Dear Mom,

Well first off I would like to say congratulations! You raised your child to be successful in life (so far). This is just as big of a moment for you as it is for me. This is the moment we have been waiting for. The time were you let your first child be on their own for the first time. I know you are so excited for me, but I also know that you don't want me to go. Being just us two right now, you are going to be alone when I am gone so I want you to know why I am so proud of you for getting your first child to college when you couldn't do it for yourself.

I know everyone says parenting is hard, especially with your first but you did it all by yourself. I can only imagine how hard it was to raise me on your own. You may not have realized it but growing up, I would always look at you and just think to myself how lucky I was to have a mom like you. All of my friends would call you the "cool mom" and I totally agree. Over the years you didn't just raise me but helped me find myself and helped me follow my dreams no matter how hard it was for you to afford or help with, you always made it possible. You made me who I am today and encouraged me to try my hardest at everything I do and because of that, I am not just going to college but going to the perfect college. I know how important getting my education is to you, especially because you couldn't get the education you wanted so I am going to try my hardest in school to continue to make you proud.

The last couple of years have been the toughest two years we have ever been through both emotionally and financially. There were many times we thought I wouldn't be able to get to college. You worked your butt off and still do just for us to be able to survive and well, now look at us! Only a week away from moving in to college without worrying about the financials to cover it. You have no idea how proud I am of you for picking yourself up just to take care of me when you didn't think it was possible. You have taught me so much more then the average mother because of your experiences and our tough situations. You taught me how to live in the real world when things don't always go your way and to keep pushing for more.

Basically what I am trying to say in this letter is thank you. Thank you for being there for me not just as a mother but also as a friend. Thank you for always making sure I could follow my dreams and reach my goals. Thank you for encouraging me to succeed no matter what anyone else said. Thank you for being my mom.

Sincerely,

Your Proud Daughter