Mom, I cannot imagine my life without you. Obviously, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you, but it’s more than that. You have shaped me into who I am today, and I am so grateful for you. I have a million things to thank you for, but I want to thank you for a few things in particular today.
Thank you for being my number one fan.
In elementary school, you never missed a single recital. In middle school, you cheered at my sports games. In high school, you sat in the front row at all of my events. Throughout my entire childhood, I never had to wonder if you were going to show up. You were always early, and you remembered to bring your camera every time. On a more personal level, you have celebrated all of my victories with me, no matter how small. You are there to pick me up and remind me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I cannot emphasize enough how much of a positive impact you have had on my life simply by supporting me every step of the way. I know that you have my back 100 percent of the time.
Thank you for always being only a phone call away.
When I started college, I called you almost every single day. Most of the time we talked for at least an hour. You always picked up, whether it was 8 o’clock in the morning or 11 o’clock at night. You never made me feel like a burden, even when I rambled about the same thing for the entire call. On my bad days you stayed on the line with me until I felt better. I could not have survived my freshman year without you. We don’t talk on the phone as frequently now, but we text every single day. I know if I have a silly question—and I have a lot of them—I can text or call you and you will have all the answers. You always do.
Thank you for putting your family first.
I have never had to question how much you loved me, not even when I was in my angsty teenager phase. I know that you love me immeasurably because you show me every day. You go out of your way for me all the time, whether it’s making my favorite meal when I come home for the weekend or surprising me with a care package. You put my happiness, and the happiness of our family, above your own every single day. There is no one as selfless as a mother.
Thank you for giving me someone to look up to.
As a child I was asked, “Who is your idol?” many times. A lot of the kids in my class said things like “the President” or “Superman.” My answer was different. I always said, “My mom.” You have been my role model for 20 years. You put your best face forward every day. When you encounter a problem, you think it through to make sure you act correctly. You find the bright side in every situation and remind me of it often. You are the definition of a positive role model. Every child deserves a mom like you.
Thank you for being my best friend.
Some girls find their BFF in a classroom, but I’ve known mine since the cradle. You support me, care about me and encourage me like a best friend should. You are proud of me whether I succeed or fail. When I succeed, you cheer with me. When I fail, you hug me while I cry. You only want the best for me. I know I can tell you anything and I often come to you for advice. You know the difference between what I want to hear and what I need to hear. I make my best decisions when I've received your input. Above all, you are always there to listen. You are my best friend. We are a dynamic duo and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together. We can do anything as long as we have each other.
Mom, I am so proud to be your daughter. I love you.
