Dear Mom,

Have I ever told you how awesome you are? Probably not.

In fact, I spent a lot of time convinced that you were the dorkiest, most embarrassing person on the planet. I didn't want to hear your life lessons, even when I desperately needed them. I cried in my room instead of asking for your advice because I was sure that you could never understand my teenage drama. I forgot that you were a teenager once. That you hadn't always been my mom.

Mommy, I'm sorry that I've spent too much time pretending you didn't exist and not enough time telling you how much I appreciate you. Because in the words of Sophia Amoruso, you're a #GirlBoss.

You've taught me how to be a hardworking, passionate woman. As the mother of a small child, you followed your dreams and earned a doctorate. You spent months writing a doctoral thesis and still managed to pack my favorite school lunches. You sacrificed your study time to read me bedtime stories and play dress up with me. It was hard, but you did it! I'm so proud of you, Mommy.

You've taught me to be a strong, independent woman. Everyday, you encourage me to challenge myself and to try new things, but even when I fall I know you're there to catch me. You've shown me the importance of good financial skills, when to splurge and when to save. And because of you, I know how to say "no, thank you" when I'm uncomfortable because I don't owe anyone my body or my time.

You've taught me how to be kind and caring. Watching you, I've seen someone use their power and privilege to make the world a better place, working to be part of the solution and not the problem. You've shown me that humility and respect for others are just as important as awards and good grades.

We've had our ups and downs. You haven't always been my favorite person, but you've never stopped telling me that you love me. I wouldn't be the person that I am without you.

Happy Mother's Day Mommy, and here's to more lifetimes filled with fun and laughter.

Thank you for everything.