Mommy,
You're my best friend.
Yes, you're my parent, but you are also my greatest friend. Sure, I have a lot of best friends from different walks of life, but you've been there through them all. Never once did you leave me when I got too difficult or show me "tough love". You just showed me love in its truest form. For all those times it seems like I don't love you, past and present, know I do. I couldn't live without you.
You're my rock.
I have a helium heart, but you are the cinderblock feet that keep me grounded. Even when it seems like nothing in this world could keep me centered on what's happening now and things are falling apart, hearing you tell me things will be okay can somehow make it better (even if it's the tiniest amount). I know it seems like I never listen to you when you say these things, but please don't ever stop. In hindsight, they mean the world to me.
I'm thankful that you believe in me.
I don't believe in myself half the time, but if I have an idea in mind, you're always the first one to encourage me to pursue what makes my heart happy, whether that's changing my major three times in a year or successfully creating a new canvas piece. I always say that, as my mom, you're obligated to be there for me, but the truth is you're not. You could choose to not be all these things for me, and yet you still choose to be.
I'm sorry for the times I get angry with you.
I know you weren't prepared to have a teenager stuck in the perpetual depths of bitterness and negativity. I will grow out of it eventually. I'm sorry for any time I made you feel unworthy or unloved growing up. The truth is, I probably just never wanted to hear what you had to say to me because it was true. Sometimes that still happens today, but then I realize you're right. Anytime you think I hate you, just remember that I wouldn't hesitate to move home if it meant I got to be with you forever.
I'm thankful you are who you are.
You're awkward, weird, and sometimes annoying, but I love that about you. Growing up, my friends thought you were a hoot when I thought you were plain embarrassing (in my defense, not many moms can or will do the Wobble at all the school dances. I have a right to be embarrassed by you). I'm sorry when I get cranky and annoyed with you. Just know that I think it's really because I realize that I am you (admit it. It's creepy when we finish each other's sentences at the exact same time in the exact same way).
Lastly, I'll always be your baby girl.
I know I grew up and made the adult decision to move away from home, but please know that it has its downsides, simply because I'm away from you. We've been through a lot. I have the right to be a little clingy of my mom. I know it makes you sad every time I pull out of the driveway to head back to college, but know I will always return. I'm not quite like other baby birds.
People always tell me how much I'm like you. I used to deny it, but now I realize that if I can even be half the woman you are and have been to me, I might actually do alright in this life.
I love you most!
