I don’t even know where to begin. Imagine having someone who is the definition of selfless, constantly joyful, loving, and caring. I could sit here and write the longest list of wonderful qualities that make up my mom, but I’m going to reflect on how you’ve taught me to go about my life and tackle the real world.

Our relationship is like no other, here and there we get into the occasional fight, but you legitimately are my best friend. You always know when to turn the mom switch on and off and that’s why it’s so easy to talk to you. Growing up, you always told me about how your mom enforced the idea of you and your siblings being able to come to her for anything. I’m glad that I have the ability to do the same thing with you from time to time.

(Although I’m convinced that you pick favorites over me and your son who you love oh-so-dearly, I know that you often try to split the love evenly.)

You give the best advice. I cannot stress how good your advice is sometimes. Even though I’m the person who asks for advice and then doesn’t take it, you often know exactly what to say and even have the ability to pick up on little things, like when I’m hinting at advice that I need. Sometimes I even use you as a cheat sheet for my friends. Whenever they ask me for advice, it’s easy to go to you and just reciprocate the information that you’ve told me.

I don’t understand how anyone could dislike you. You’re a blessing to any and every one and only jealousy could stop someone from wanting to be your friend. I’ve lost count of the many times that you’ve come home from work and have wanted to do something for one of your friends, because they were going through a rough time. I love that you constantly put everyone before yourself even when you shouldn’t.

Thank you for constantly encouraging me. Even when it’s related to things that you dread happening, like me moving 12 hours away to college, you still support me. Throughout my entire childhood, you supported me in every hobby and sport that I wanted to try. It was always nice knowing that no matter what, you weren’t trying to live through me and you let me develop my own masterpiece of a life. You were like my life’s training wheels, and I thank you more than ever for that now.

You are the person that I hope I can someday become. The mother that I hope I can live up to. Whether that’s leading by your example, not being strict but still enforcing rules, or just being an amazing person, you’ve done it all. Thanks for the constant laughter, and love that you continuously share. I genuinely can’t imagine my life without your faithful impact and guidance every step of the way.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.