Happy Birthday!! I hope that your day is going to be full of cakes, texts, Starbucks mochas, and lots of love. I wish that I could give you a gift, but I haven't had time to run to the local shopping center amidst classes, rehearsals, and sorority events, and if I order it for you on amazon, you'd know as soon as I click "Order" because the account is really yours. So instead, I'll list the reasons why you're the greatest mom ever (sorry everyone else, I know you think yours is better, but mine is the best).

1. You pick up the phone anytime I call.

From seeing a groundhog for the first time to getting a part in my first college musical, you never fail to answer my calls with a happy "hey, love bug!" and I am so so thankful for that. Even when you are going through the Harris Teeter checkout line or designing a program, you are always happy to hear from me. Thank you for always picking up.

2. You never say no to a day of shopping.

Any time I come sit on your bed to say "I kinda wanna go shopping," you're always ready to "shower, throw on some clothes," and spend the day walking around shopping centers, drinking Starbucks and talking about life. Some of my favorite memories with you include the silent moments we take before the first sip of coffee, making fun of ugly clothes, and never actually buying what we went out for.

3. You always ask if I will run errands with you.

Errands somehow become fun and enjoyable when we embark on them together. It's hard to say no when I know that we will get to catch up while wandering the aisles of Target and Harris Teeter, adding more and more items to the cart that definitely aren't on the shopping list. Plus, I would rather run errands with you than do homework or watch Netflix, and I would invite me, too (I know, I'm a blast).

4. You want to drive me to and from university for breaks.

Even though the drive is long and takes up the better part of 2 days for you, I'm always happiest when we make the drive together. From Dunkin Iced coffee and pickles in a bag to reading about Seventh Day Adventists, you never fail to make every drive memorable. I'll never admit this to your face, but on the drive up on move-in weekend, I shed a couple tears while singing "For Good" with you because I truly have been changed.

5. You send me funny videos and pictures everyday.

Somehow, your motherly senses are always perfect and you know exactly when I need to see a funny video of a baby crying or a picture of a kitten asleep. The little pictures are always the highlights of my day and remind me that there is always a reason to be happy, because you can't be in a bad mood when watching llamas run around!

6. You keep me updated on family life back home.

Being away from home is hard, and I miss knowing what's going on with the family. However, I never feel like I'm missing out on too much because you'll always shoot me a text or call me to fill me in. I really appreciate that you do that because when I come back home, it's like I haven't missed anything at all. Plus, I miss getting to see the kittens every day (and we both know that they are the most important part of life back home).

7. You teach me the important things about the world and life.

Even though you didn't exactly teach me how to fill a car with gas (and not diesel), you've showed me the more important things: hang up your sweaters to dry so they don't shrink. Drink lots of water every day to stay healthy. Look up grammar questions when you aren't so sure. So many little lessons sprinkled throughout life that mean just as much as the big ones: love everyone fiercely and without reservation. Stand up for yourself. Go and change the world. Never apologize for being you. Thank you for always being my favorite teacher.

8. You encourage me to do what makes me happy.

Every time I have to make a choice between doing something that seems logical and doing what my heart wants me to do, I hear your voice telling me to do what makes me happy. From letting me navigate small choices like who I date to big choices like where I go to college, you have always told me that you will support me in anything I do. So now, I spend every day doing what makes me happy. You remind me that I can only change the world if I am passionate and good at what I do, so I might as well keep working on it. Though I don't hold your hand when I walk anymore, I still feel your hand on my back, encouraging me on as I continually make the choice to be happy.

9. You always put being "Mom" first.

No matter what was going on in your individual life, you always put us kiddos first. Even when you were sick, you still mustered up the strength to pack us lunches and give us hugs as we ran out of the door. I can't imagine how hard it is to be working a full time job of raising and taking care of us, but you do it better than anyone else I know. You never stop helping us become better people, even when we don't make your job super easy. Thank you for loving us unconditionally and being our SuperMom.

10. You show me the kind of woman I want to be.

I was asked during rush who my role model was, and I had nothing to say other than "My Mom." You are strong yet gentle, brave yet aware, independent but loving, and funny but… well, you're just funny. You are everything that I strive to be daily, and the kind of person that inspires me to be the best possible version of myself. In a world where women just aren't considered as worthy as men, you have taught me and shown me by example to never let that stand in my way. You are unapologetically you, and I can't wait to grow up and be you someday. I hope I am making you proud.

By this point, I'm sure you're crying, Mom (I am a little bit, too), but please know that I love you. All the way from VA, I love you. As I type this, I am a little bit upset that I couldn't finish it until the wee hours of the night, but I know that you will appreciate it just as much on the day after your birthday :) Thank you so much for being the best mom in the entire world!! I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday, Pope Frances!

With Love Always,

Your college daughter :)