Dear Mom,

I know I don't say this enough-- but I love you and I am so thankful for everything you have done, continue to do and will do for me. You have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that I can't thank you enough. While the list of things you have taught me is never ending, here are some of the most important thus far:

Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I give up on myself.

I know you will always be there for me, pushing me in the right direction and giving me that shove forward when I need it. I'm glad you were there to not let me drop out of school the numerous times I've called you telling you I was quitting after spending hours in the library just to fail an exam. The world knocks you down sometimes and time and time again you've helped me get back up on my feet, brush it off and move on.

Thank you for not always being on my side.

As my mom, I know you're always going to want what's best for me, but I am so glad you aren't afraid to tell me when I'm wrong. Instead of sugar coating things to make me feel better, you're straightforward with me and that's something I didn't appreciate enough growing up. I'm thankful to have you on my side when I'm right, and I'm thankful that you let me know when I'm not.

Thank you for telling me the truth, even when I don't want to hear it.

I know I didn't listen most of the time, but I'm thankful that you never stopped telling me the truth even when I didn't want to hear it. The truth hurts sometimes, but thank you for not just telling me what I wanted to hear.

Thank you for teaching me to rely on myself.

You have raised me to be a strong, independent woman and for that I cannot thank you enough. You taught me that I either had to work for things or I didn't get them. Life doesn't just hand you things, and I'm glad you instilled that in me from an early age.

Thank you for raising me to not lose myself in a guy.

Each and every time I'm upset over some stupid guy I hear your words in my head, "I did not raise you to lose yourself in a guy. You're better than that." It truly is the greatest lesson you could have ever taught me. Relationships can be toxic, and I'm so thankful you constantly remind me that I am enough on my own. Heartbreak sucks, but it's never worth sacrificing your happiness to avoid it and I'm happy you've made sure I know that.

Thank you for teaching me when to let go.

You've taught me to treat people with respect, no matter how they treat me, but you've also taught me to stand up for myself. Thank you for showing me when it's time to step away from a situation, and refusing to let me get walked all over. I now know how to recognize when someone is taking advantage of me, and I know how to walk away.

Thank you for embarrassing me.

I used to freak out every single time we drove by the boys' baseball practice and you honked really loud, but now I'm glad you found humor in humiliating me. You constantly remind me to live my life how I want, regardless of what people think. You've taught me to have fun and let go, even if I'm embarrassing myself in the process.

Thank you for raising me to be accepting.

From the beginning you have told me if something doesn't affect me, it's not my place to judge. You've armed me with the crucial skill of having an open mind, regardless of the situation. Because of this, I am a more loving person, I have my best friends, and I am better off.

Thank you for being you.

I simply couldn't ask for a better role model to have in my life, or a greater friend to always have my back. You are the strongest, hardest working, loving woman and I am so thankful that you are the one I've had the opportunity to look up to my whole life. I strive every day to be more like you, and I hope someday I am half the mother to my daughter that you are to me.

Thank you for being the greatest mother a girl could ask for.

Love you mean it,

Your mini me.