Father's Day - the third Sunday in June.

It's the time of year when you see "Dad of the Year" coffee mugs and grilling kits on sale next to some cheesy apron that says, "Grill-Master".

It's the day when dads everywhere are celebrated for all the great things that they do for their kiddos.

Considering Father's Day is this coming Sunday, or by the time this article is published, this past Sunday, June 18th, I would like take a moment to brag a little bit about the one who's been the best father to me for the past eighteen years of my life - my mom!

I look at my mom and I see so much more than just a mom. I see a warrior, a survivor, a kind soul, a hard working person, a sucker for Grey's Anatomy, an inspiration, and a father. I felt it appropriate to write this as my first article for my second Odyssey debut, almost as a continuation or even just a second part to my very first article, "To The Man Who Made Me But Didn't Want Me". I probably talk about it too much - how my real father isn't around and how my mother ismy father, but I will never not talk about this. Throughout my 18 years, I've gone through a lot, and without my mom, I'm certain that I wouldn't have made it through. My mom deserves every bit of recognition that I can give.

My mom raised me to be strong and independent, with the ability to work hard for what I want in life. She taught me a good work ethic, what's right and wrong, what it means to truly love someone, the kind of woman I want to be, and how to even out a washing machine like a champ.

I've always made it a point to be extremely happy for those who have dads that have been around for their lives and are genuinely great dads, because I didn't have a father to influence my life, and that's completely okay. I look at it this way: My mom sacrificed everything for me to have everything I've ever wanted. She still works harder than anyone I've ever met to make sure that everything is how it should be, and to make sure that I am taken care of and well-loved. She is the biggest and most beautiful flower in the garden of my heart. My mother is everything I aspire to be, and without her influence, I really don't know where I'd be.

Mom,

As I am soon off to college, I want to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. Without you, I am nothing. You have been the one to pick me up when I've been down, to care for me all the times I have needed you. You're my mother, my father, my best friend, my reason to succeed, my person, and my reason "to save a soul lost in life."

Happy Father's day, Mom.

I love you.