Dear Mom,

19 beautiful years together (going on 20) and this is the second Mother’s Day we’ve spent apart. It’s hard not being there to crawl into bed with you in the morning, give you a big hug and wish you a happy Mother’s Day like I always used to. From the time I was little, I remember worrying about what I would get for you on this day, because I never knew exactly what you wanted. I remember going to the store, with your money, of course, and wandering around the aisles wondering what would make you the happiest. I’d usually settle on a candle or two, and sometimes a picture frame to put pictures of us into, nothing too crazy. Daddy would get you flowers and make your coffee in the morning and we would usually spend all day as a family on the boat, or hiking or whatever else we thought you would like to do.

This year, just like the last, I’m at college and don’t get to spend this day with you. It makes me sad not being home to see your beautiful smile, give you a big hug and to just spend time with you, but soon enough I’ll be home and we’ll be able to spend lots of time together again. This year for your Mother’s Day gift, I wanted to write you a letter to express how incredibly thankful I am to have been blessed with such an amazing mom/woman to look up to. I know it won’t nearly do justice to the recognition and many thanks you deserve but it’s a start (and personally I think it beats getting a candle, however I’m still getting you a picture frame because that’s what you asked for).

I want to thank you for…

being such a strong woman and role model for me to look up to

having such a big heart

the hours you put in to making me the athlete I am today

the late nights spent doing projects I procrastinated on

all the times you stayed up with me when I was sick

teaching me to give my all no matter what I do

giving the best advice

always having my best interests at heart

showing me that hard work always wins and nothing in life is just given to you

encouraging me to dream big

your constant love and support in every aspect of my life

Lastly, I want to thank you for being my best friend. I never really believed it when people would say “your mom becomes your best friend as you grow up,” but now I couldn’t agree more. I see parts of you in myself all the time and I can’t help but smile. From your love of books and the simple things in life, to the sarcastic/sassy humor you always text me with, to your big laugh that can’t help but make everyone around you a little bit happier. You make the lives of everyone you encounter a little better and I hope one day my kids will look up to me the way I look up to you.

I hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day and I can’t wait to see you soon!

Love you with all my heart,

Carrie