I would like to start this letter off by saying I am sorry.

I am sorry for all the times I made you feel unappreciated. I know at times I have acted like an ungrateful brat and I spent most of my life taking the things you do for us kids for granted.

I am sorry for all the times I lied to you. No lie I ever told was worth breaking your trust.

I am sorry for all the times I disappointed you. I hate that I have ever disappointed you because all I've ever wanted was to make you proud.

I am sorry for the times I have taken my anger and frustration out on you. I guess it was always easier to push you away because you would always come back, and that was never fair to you.

I am sorry for all the times I have disrespected you. You shouldn't have had to deal with so much backtalk and eye-rolling. I regret all the time I wasted fighting with you.

I am sorry for all the times I didn't listen to you. I wish it wouldn't have taken me so long realize you have always had my best interest at heart.

Second of all, I want to thank you, mom.

Thank you for all the little things you do that us kids forget to say thank you for. Things like being a shorthand cook, full-time housekeeper and a personal chauffeur.

Thank you for being my biggest fan. You deserve an award for all the practices you have sat through, tournaments you’ve traveled to, and games you have cheered through.

Thank you for your constant encouragement. No matter what it is, I know you will always be in my corner rooting for me. I don’t know what I would do without your love and support.

Thank you for being the one person I can tell anything and everything to. I can always count on you to listen and give me advice when I need it. I will forever be grateful for that.

Thank you for all the times you’ve held me while I cried. Whether it was my first heartbreak or petty girl drama, you have always been there to comfort me. You will also do whatever it takes to cheer me up.

Thank you for all the fun times and laughs we’ve shared together. I wouldn’t trade the memories we’ve made for the world. Whether its going to get our nails done, or simply laying on the couch watching movies all day, I always enjoy the time I get to spend with you.

Thank you for being such an amazing role model. I have always, and will always look up to you. I can only hope to be at least half the woman you are some day.

To sum things up, thank you for all that you do and all that you are. I can't say thank you enough for being such an incredible mother and friend. The more and more I grow up the more and more I realize that you, mom, are the best friend God has ever given me.

"First my mother, forever my friend."