Mom, what can I really say in order for you to know just how much I value you? From labor to now, you have always put my life before your own, even when I did not deserve it. There have been times that I have treated you poorly, yet you have loved me still. From the time I was born until now, you have stayed by my side through sickness, projects due the next day, heartbreaks, broken friendships and much more. I remember all the times you have had to sleep on the very edge of the bed because you wanted me to sleep comfortably, even though I was in your bed. Mom, you have walked with me through the good and the bad. I can remember all the times you came into my room during the night, crying because you did not know what to do as I was ripping my life into shreds due to my bad decisions. I can remember the times you sat on the side of the bed and prayed for me as I laid, pretending to sleep. I can remember all of the times you walked me to my first day of class, including my first day of college because I was too scared to walk in alone. I can remember the times you took off work to take me to competitions, doctor’s appointments, school, or anywhere else I needed to be. I remember all the times you could have gotten on to me for being irresponsible or reckless, but you did not. Instead, you taught me how to do the right thing instead of shaming me for what I had done. Even when I moved to college, you always took time out of your day to answer my calls, come check on me, or bring me whatever it was that I needed. Mom, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for giving up so many years of your life to give me mine. Thank you for the special cereals you’d buy for me, the times you’d stick up for me, and the times you were the only one who made me believe I was beautiful. Thank you for giving me confidence, a love for people, and a love for God. Thank you for loving me so well. Mom, thank you for teaching me how to be the woman I am called to be. Thank you for every lost night of sleep, missed meal, sick day lost, missed day at work, late night, grace period and bear hug. Thank you for making my favorite meals, putting your life and dreams on hold, putting my needs before your own, and for being you. Mom, without you, I would not be who I am today. Mom, I thank you for always encouraging me. Mom, I hope you follow your dreams. Please know that you are loved, valued, and very highly respected. Mom. I love you. I want to leave you with a Winnie the Pooh quote: “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart I’ll always be with you.” I’ll always be with you, just like you’ve always been with me.