Mom,

I know you don’t like to be put in the spotlight, but bear with me for a second. I just want to take a moment to thank you... for everything. Okay, that’s a little vague, I want to thank you now for the little things that you do for me. I know sometimes I don’t show enough appreciation for all that you do, and I’m sorry. But, I do truly notice all the things you do for me and I am so thankful for it all.

Ever since I was little, we’ve been like peas and carrots. Things weren’t always perfect, but that’s okay. We had our times where we were upset with each other, but we always made it through. I don’t think I realized until halfway through high school just how thankful I am for how close we are. As silly as it sounds, I thought everyone was as close with their mom as I was with my mom. It just seemed natural to me.

As I headed into my senior year of high school, you were by my side through all of the crazy steps that lead up to college. You went with me to every college visit and scholarship competition and awards ceremony. It was a chaotic time filled with thoughts of not really being sure of anything, but I knew that no matter what, I would be able to look and see you standing by my side. I don’t think you know how much it all meant to me. I was so thankful to have you to hold my hand as I filled out countless applications and as we trekked across what felt like a million miles on college campuses. No matter how stressful everything got, I knew you would be there for me to lean on.

As college rolled around, I was both excited to “start my life” and filled with dread because I didn’t like the thought of not being able to see you everyday, among other things. It was such a bittersweet thought. Whenever someone brought up me the idea of moving out, we both teared up. Though it made me sad to see you upset about me leaving, it was nice to know that you would miss seeing me as much as I was gonna miss seeing you. I think I cried more on move-in day than you did, which honestly sort of surprised me. Thank you for being strong that day, because I really needed to see that. I saw you and I knew that things were going to be alright.

Throughout my whole life, I have always told myself that if I powered through a bad day, I would be able to go home and just let it all out. A lot of the times, you would be there to listen to me as I let it all out. I know sometimes you had a rough day too, but you would always put me first and let me cry about whatever was going on. Thank you for being so selfless and taking care of me so well. I would try to return the favor, but I just felt like you had this special touch that no one, not even me, could imitate. Thankfully, that “special touch” can also be transferred through text messages, phone calls, or even a card in the mail. So, I get to feel the love from sort of far away.

Thank you for all the little things. Thank you for teaching me about the magical healing power of chocolate. Thank you for going to all of my shows and concerts, even if you were tired or crazy busy. Thanks for all of the hours spent working with me on homework and big projects. And of course I can’t forget to mention the endless amount of time spent picking out homecoming and prom dresses, accessories, and shoes. Thank you for always making yourself available when I really needed you there. I don’t know how you did it all for not only me, but everyone you know. You do so much for so many people and I don’t feel like you get enough recognition for all that you do.

Cheers to you, mom. I’ll love you forever.

Love,