Being a single mother is probably the most challenging job in the whole world.

You did not want it, ask for it, or even plan for it to be this way.

But you are doing the most phenomenal job imaginable.

The day we lost Dad was the day you took on a whole different role in life, even if you didn't realize it at first. You became Mom and Dad. You do an amazing job being both parents and I will always be more grateful than you will ever know. While I will be celebrating and thinking about Dad on Sunday, June 19, 2016, I will be celebrating you.

But enough about the depressing stuff; let's get to the happy, celebrating part.

You are not only my mom, you are the most strong, dedicated, courageous and amazing woman I have ever met in my life. You hear about heroes every day on TV but the world needs to recognize heroes like you. You "save the world" for my sister and I every single day and do not receive any form of recognition or medal, just a hug or poorly made cards. Without you, I do not know where I would be in my life. I know being a mother is your "job" and you "have" to do it, but that isn't really the case. Many mothers, not to mention, SINGLE mothers, can give up and abandon their kids. You could have and didn't. "Giving up" has never been a part of your vocabulary. I have seen you sad and discouraged many times in my life, but I have never heard you say "I give up." You have never been close to giving up. Even if you felt you were close, you never showed it.

Having a purpose in life like being a mother is absolutely incredible. I really hope I am able to be half the woman you are because that would still be more than enough. You have taught me how to be proud, independent and to stay humble. You have no issue putting me in my place no matter how old I am and I appreciate that. All I see is kids my age and even as young as 10 walking all over their parents and doing whatever they want without a single regard to their parents. I honestly appreciate all of the times you wouldn't let me go somewhere or do something growing up. Even now, you have no issue telling me when I may be pushing limits I shouldn't be pushing. That means a lot to me because you are most of the time my voice of reason. I know some parents of people my age who don't really steer them in the right direction. They figure that we are all 20 years old and can do whatever we want. That may be true, but is that the best idea? Probably not.

I know I don't say this enough, but I really am grateful for you. You are my best friend and partner and crime when it comes down to it. You always have my back and are in my corner even if I put myself in a sticky situation. You always lecture me if you have to, then help me through the situation and make sure I never get myself there again.

My favorite thing you have always said to me is, "I will never be mad at you. Maybe hurt, upset, or disappointed. But not mad." Trust me, that has made a lot of situations easier.

You are my mommy, teacher, therapist, best friend, partner in crime, cook, maid, personal shopper, and hero.

It's really hard for me to explain how amazing you are and all of the amazing things you do, but it is so hard when you do so many things that may seem ordinary to most, but extraordinary to me. Being a single mom probably isn't easy and I hope I never have to do it. But if fate makes it out that way, I know I will be able to. Because you have taught me so much in 20 years, I can't even begin to imagine what you will teach me in the future years to come.

When the day comes that I am a mom, I know I will have you right behind me helping me through it every step of the way.

On Father's Day I will be remembering and celebrating Dad, but I will also be celebrating you for your amazing job as a single mother taking on both roles. You have done both roles so well, I cannot distinguish what Dads "do" and what Moms "do."

You have gotten my sister and I through the hardest years of our lives alone. I am half way through college and Casaundra is on the dance team heading into high school. You pushed us and never gave up on us. You did all of that alone as a single mom and I cannot even wrap my brain around how you have done this with so much grace.

The haters are going to keep hating, the judgers will keep judging. But you are unbreakable. As Dad always said, "you can bend steel, but can't break it."

Happy Father's Day, Mom. I love you more than you will ever know.

Thank you.