I’ve never been the girl who expresses herself easily. I don’t like public attention on me and I don’t like to be touched, not even hugged. I can be tough to love when I don’t express how much I care about those around me. The toughest one I have always been with was with my mom. Maybe it is because I have a lot in common with my dad. Maybe because we clash in my personal interest. Maybe it is just my personality and who I have always been. Whatever it may be, I don’t say it enough that I love my mom with everything I have.

I’ve been stubborn from the start and it is not easy for me to admit I’m wrong at times. That gets in the way with my relationship with my mom at times because I forget that she is always acting in my best interest. That’s what a mom does. They love you, support you, and protect you with everything they have. Afterall, she carried me 9 months and a whole extra day. I love her even though we but heads from time to time. There is no one else I would want to binge watch Gilmore Girls, have late night conversations, endless amount of phone calls, or random runs to Taco Bell with.

I’m not afraid to let the world know that I love my mom. I may not show it from a day to day basis or say it out loud all the time, but that doesn’t change how much I love my mom. I love that she believes in me when I can’t believe in myself. I love that she makes me feel better after a long day of stress overload with school. I love that she calls me her shining star because that reminds me that I am something to someone. I love that she will share encouraging links on my facebook even though I act like I don’t. I love that she tells me stories of her childhood on repeat even though I act like I’m annoyed with hearing the same ones again. I am not annoyed, I love every minute of every story she talks about.

Even though you drive me crazy at times and we agree to disagree, there’s no one I would want to disagree with or to drive me crazy. Yes, when you correct my words it irritates me, but secretly I remember how you correct me and I end up correcting myself. I love all the memories we have. I love that every time I was sick as a kid that you would find a way to cheer me up. I love that even though I am 22 that you still take care of me when I am sick or check up on me if I am at school. I love that you laugh and cry sometimes at the same time. I love that you question anything I do because that reminds me that you are just looking out for me. I love the strength you have to deal with whatever life throws at you.

Mom, this one is for you. This is for my mom that I love so much. For the times when I yelled or didn’t appreciate what you did for me, I am sorry. I never loved you less and I will only keep loving you more as I grow up and learn what it takes to be a mom like you. This is for all the moms out there that give everything they have to raise their child and to cherish and to love them no matter what. This is for all the adults who love their moms like I do but may not say it all the time. This is for all the teenagers that love their moms but are currently trying to figure out who they are at the same time. Mothers, you are strong to deal with us children who challenge everything you do. And even though we may not say it or show it all of the time, we love you and are forever grateful for what you do for us each and every day.