"My little girl yesterday, my friend today, my daughter forever." - Unknown
As I head off to college in the fall, I need you to read this so that you know that you'll always be my number one.
Dear Mom,
I know that you are feeling some major anxiety and are maybe a little bit blue over the fact that in just 60 short days I will be headed off to college. It is the day you've been waiting for, but also the day you never wanted to come. It is time for me to spread my wings to take a little dip into the independent lifestyle.
I want you to know that I am grateful for all of the times we have shared tears, laughter, and excitement. Like when you and I would blast Mamma Mia, "Slipping Through My Fingers," and cry over how I would one day have to leave home, too. Like the days you get so excited about little things, such as me getting asked to homecoming sophomore year, and we laughed at your huge smile that stayed for days. Like the day I told you I received a scholarship, and you were so excited, you screamed over the phone. These little moments are unforgettable and the amount of love and support you've shown me the past 18 years makes me stop and think about the fact that you are the one person who will never leave my side, no matter the circumstance.
Thank you for wiping my tears when my friends left me out from making friendship bracelets and then for making friendship bracelets with me yourself instead. Thank you for protecting me from arguments between you and dad. Thank you for reading "I Love You this Much," to me at night and for letting me sleep with you when I was scared. All of this you've done to make me happy, and I dream that one day I can make my daughter or son as happy as you've made me.
Without your sense of selflessness, your bubbly personality, and your natural ability to make people happy, I could not have grown into the woman I am today. You have shaped every aspect of my life from my academics to my everyday mannerisms. I couldn't think of better qualities to have inherited, and it is extremely satisfying to know that I can always look to you as my perfect role model.
I need to apologize, too, for all the times I've put other people or activities over you. You don't deserve that. You've given up an immeasurable amount of hours, days, and years for me. I am more thankful for all of it than you'll ever know. I can promise you that the future is filled with fun for us, whether it be a simple lunch at the diner or a week long mommy-daughter vacation in the Caribbean.
Although you don't want me to leave home so soon, I can promise you, I won't be gone for good. I'll always need you to comfort me when my heart is broken, when I can't pay my bills, or when I can't figure out how to change a tire. So please, Mom, don't think your job is done. You've raised me well, but you have so much more work to do.
I love you forever and always,
Your Appreciative Daughter
