You Can Call Her Smart, Inspiring, And Beautiful But I Just Call Her 'Mom'

First, let me start by saying thank you.

Thank you for all the hats you wear. The mom hat, the friend hat, the therapist hat, and all the rest. I am so grateful to have a mother that can be so many different things for me, and that does all she can to let me know that she is here whenever I need her.

Secondly, I'm sorry for the attitude I sometimes give you. You are always so patient with me whenever I'm being too over the top. You listen, and you give the best advice even if I don't always take it. You know me better than I know myself sometimes, and you always know the right thing to say when I'm upset.

I love our daily phone calls and hate when we're both busy and miss one. They usually aren't longer than five minutes but I genuinely look forward to seeing "Mama" show up on my phone screen. If I'm having a bad day it's always nice to know that I'll get a chance to vent to you and hear your advice. Being at school for three years now, I am used to not seeing you every day but I don't think I could ever give up our phone calls.

You've been the best role model a little girl could've ever grown up with. You were always real and honest with me and with everyone else. You taught me not to worry about what everyone else thinks, to be myself and to do what makes me happy. You gave me the whole playing field when it came to my imagination.

You've supported my wildest dreams, my career choices (even though they're still up in the air), and literally any venture I've decided to take on over the years. You've always made me feel like the sky is the limit. From talking about pursuing a career in the arts, to social work, to possibly going to law school, there was never a time where you made me feel like any of that wasn't possible.

You're humble. You never brag about anything at all. You're a phenomenal teacher, an amazing wife, and mother, and most of all you are a just an incredible woman, far more than you give yourself credit.

You deserve to talk about all the wonderful things you do because you are wonderful. You deserve bragging rights a heck of a lot more than the people who do brag... just saying.

I could go on but knowing you, you're probably already a little bit emotional so I'll just stop here. Mama, I don't tell you enough how much you mean to me. I love you more than words could ever say and I just need you to know that you are appreciated. You have prepared me to take on the world and to do it in the classiest way possible.

You are the definition of grace and the most beautiful woman in the world. I hope that you never doubt how much you are needed and loved. None of us, especially me, could do life without you.

Thank you for everything. I love you Mama.

Love,

Your Little Girl