Mom,

I want to take this moment to thank you for everything that you are and everything that you do. As I am getting older, I am noticing and appreciating all that you do for me and for our family. You are a strong woman who appreciates the beautiful and important things in life.

You know how to handle yourself perfectly, even in tough situations that many people would not be able to handle. Losing a loved one in the family is never easy and you did everything that you could to make sure Pa rested in peace while bringing our family together. Even though I always joke with you about it, you really do teach me a lot about forgiveness and choosing to live a life with good intentions.

When college students my age go away to school, they're glad to get away from their parents. I find this to be one of the toughest things because of our close relationship. I love the constant phone calls that we give to each other about how are days went with me complaining about the workload and you complaining about everyone in the house asking you what's for dinner.

I miss you when I am away from you for too long and I always look forward to the coffee dates that we have. I feel like I can talk to you about anything. I feel comfortable enough to open up to you about things other girls my age might not talk about with their mothers. I love the advice that you give me and how you help me to realize things that I did not notice before. You were able to help me through experiences and rough patches that came along the way so far in my life.

You are always passionate about your support for me and Caroline. You treat and love us equally and will always be there for us no matter what. You were supportive when I did the elementary and high school plays even though some of them were painful to sit through. You are supportive of my hard work and always keep me motivated by telling me how proud you are of me and that you won't pressure me because I put enough pressure on myself. You are supportive with everything that I am passionate about, whether it's my journey to becoming a teacher or my passion for writing, and I am so grateful because you motivate me to be the best that I can be. I even love how supportive you are of my personality and the way that I am. You love every side of me which helped me to find my identity and be myself.

You do so much for this family and for those around you. You are completely selfless. You always try to do the right thing and are able to get through the obstacles that come your way. You taught me the importance of family and whenever I come back home from college, I am constantly reminded of what a healthy and loving family looks like.

You taught me the importance of faith and how God will always be there for us. I know that Pa is looking over this blessed family every day and is so proud of you and all that you do. He is thinking that he is so lucky that he has such a caring and loving daughter. You also taught me how to be a strong and independent woman. That it is important to work hard towards what I am passionate about, to help and always be there for family and friends no matter what, and to appreciate what I have.

You are my absolute hero and role model. I can't stress it enough how lucky and grateful I am to have you. I hope that one day I will be just like you as a mother. You are my best friend and I will always love you.

Love,

Your Daughter