How do you begin to thank someone who has given you everything and given up everything for you? It's almost impossible to find the words to explain how grateful I am for everything you've done; every sacrifice you've made without second thought.

I remember how it was at the beginning. I know how hard it was for her, and how alone she felt. I watched everything happen, and though it no longer hurts to think about and talk about, I still hurt for her today. She never reflected her hurt on me like I have done so many times to her, but instead she taught me to be strong.

I am one of the lucky ones. I have been shown the most unconditional love. My mother is truly my best friend. This one goes out to her, as does every piece of my writing. Thank you for teaching me how to put my heart and soul into everything that I do.

You could have disappeared on me. You could have changed yourself and your heart, but you taught me to be strong regardless of how you felt. Sometimes, your emotions got the best of you. It happens to everyone. But you were always real. You never let me feel foolish or stupid. You never lied unless it was to protect me. You just made me feel human.

You are my rock. Through everything, you are the constant. You are the one person who is always there. Always reachable. The hand to hold. But still, you are soft. You are soft and sweet and kind. I hope that someday, I am someone’s rock.

You have always encouraged me to be a better person, shown me endless support, and given me the love I needed to grow. My confidence is derived from your ever present cheers, the compliments that you give me everyday, and the love that you, much to my embarrassment, never fail to show.

You taught me what love is and how to love.

There are many words that I could use to describe you, but I choose protector above all else. You are the only person who has always had my back through everything. The good, the bad, and the ugliest of uglies. You have put your life on hold for me countless times. I cannot thank you enough for being there.

When I was younger, you gave up your social life to make sure that I was taken care of. You drove me around with my friends to every event we needed, not even considering that you were missing out on your own fun for us. You never let us go without, yet you went without so many times. Even now that I am older, I know that this has not changed.

You have held me through every breakdown, every bad day, every sickness. You have never made me wait. You have never made me feel bad for these things. You have always been on the starting line. I hope I've been there for you, too.

I could continue listing everything you've done- like every concert you've attended with me, even though my music taste sucks sometimes. I could mention every movie night we’ve had in your bedroom. Instead, I want to let you know that you are incredible.

Really. You are incredible. You are the one person that, above all else, has been selfless. You have been kind, and you have taken my shit like a champion. You have made me strong through your own strength.

Most of all, you have given me a strong role model to look after. You have taught me so much about who I am and who I can be. You taught me how to write, you gave me my love for reading, and you inspired me to be the best I can be. You have given me the wings I needed to fly. You have been my voice, my hand to hold, and my guardian angel.

You have taught me so much and everyday continue to teach me more. You have given me my love for literature, music, and animals. You have taught me compassion and passion. You have selflessly given your all to look after me time and time again. You are the strongest person I know.

You go above and beyond. You do more than most mothers, and I think that's because you are not just a normal mom. You are extraordinary. You deserve to be proud in the job you've done, always.

There is no real way to thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do for me, so I'm going to try my best to thank you more. I am going to try to be more like you. I want to be more like you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for everything you've dropped. Thank you for every chance you've taken. Thank you for everything. You are my hero.