Hi there, Momma Bear. It's me, your oldest girl. They say the older you get, the more you realize that your mother was right. Boy, they were not lying. You have always tried to put me on the right path. Although I act like I am not listening, I really am and I am taking everything you say to heart. So, as I look back on everything that I have accomplished and also failed at, I would like to thank you for a few things.

Thank you for teaching me how to love myself. You've always showed me to not care about everyone else's opinions because the way I view myself is the only thing that matters.

Thank you for giving me a passion for fashion. Late night trips to Kohl's to just look around will always be a great memory.

Thank you for pushing me to do my best. Whether it was in dance or school, you were always there as my backbone, making sure I reached my highest ability. My pirouettes and my grades thank you.

Thank you for teaching me to love others. Your kind heart is one of the things I love most about you. You go out of your way every day to help those who are in need.

Thank you for giving me your laugh. Although some might not think it's attractive, I love snorting right along with you.

Thank you for teaching me to not give up. Life can throw any obstacle my way because I know you have instilled hope in me. I always know it's a bad day, not a bad life.

Thank you for being the best educator. Your other "kids" adore you. I love coming into your classroom and watching you work your magic. It's amazing when I tell someone I am Mrs. Porter's daughter and their eyes light up because you truly made a positive impact on their lives.

Thank you for giving me a pretty great sister (sometimes).

Thank you for giving me an amazing role model. You're so strong, smart, independent, and beautiful and I strive to be like you every day.

Thank you for giving me all I could ever want. You work your tail off every day to make sure my sister and I have all we could ever want. I appreciate it so much.

Thank you for putting up with my bratty attitude, even though Dad does say I get it from you. We might butt heads but we figure it out, and that is all that matters in the end.

Thank you for loving me with your whole heart. I know that no matter what happens between us, you'll always be there for me.

I know I don't say it enough, but I love you, Mom. I'm so blessed that God chose you as my momma. I would not want it any other way. I definitely would not be the person I am today without your guidance. Thank you for just being you.