Dear Mom, I love you.

I know that you love me too from the ways you remind me to put on my coat or to stay safe. You show me you love me with all of your selfless acts. I can't imagine the amount of love you have for me because I don't yet have a daughter, but I know it must be something fierce on behalf of the mama bear I see when someone comes close to hurting me.

Dear Mom, now that I’ve moved away, I know you miss me more than I realize. I haven’t figured out yet how you know when to ignore the phone when others call, but you don’t ignore it when I’m calling. I hope I inherit that gene that knows who is calling because I feel like that would come in handy one day. You’re the one person who cares the most about the little details of my life.

You always seem to brighten my day when I call you from far away. Trust me, when I’m away, I miss you. I miss you when I catch a cold or run a fever. I miss your comforting hugs. I miss my favorite meals when you aren't near; they never seem to taste the same. I even sometimes miss the "I told you so's."

Your example of a godly, hardworking woman makes me want to be like you when I grow up. I want to love others the way you do. You give up so much of your time to serve, and I want to be known for doing that too. I want to be known for being as kind and beautiful as my mom.

Dear Mom, when I’m home, I enjoy our long walks and long talks. I enjoy serving you by washing the dishes, and as you know well, it’s my least favorite chore. I enjoy your love for laughter. You’re so funny; I enjoy the practical jokes you play on my sister, bless her heart. I’m thankful that I got my sense of humor from you. Thank you for passing down your great tanning genes and big, pretty eyes. Thank you for always encouraging me. Thank you for proudly sharing my accomplishments to others. It really means a lot.

Thank you for loving me so unconditionally, and dear Mom, know that I love you too.