Dear Mom,

I don’t know how you did it, but you did. You raised two children practically by yourself day in and day out. You loved us unconditionally much like a mother should.

The older I get, the more comparisons to you I get; some good, some not so much. People say I'm starting to look like you: I have your eye shape, part of your nose, and most noticeably your lips. I have your attitude, your drive, and your determination. I refuse to stand in the face of defeat and take it, just like you taught me to.

You are truly an inspiration to me mom; because of you I am chasing big dreams and not letting anything get in my way.

I saw you at your lowest and you stood right back up and fought even harder. I hope that one day I will be half the woman, and half the mother you are. As your children we may not appreciate you the way you always deserve it, but we always know just how great you are.

Growing up we didn't always have it easy, but you always tried to make it the easiest it could be. For a while you were just about the sole provider for us, and still to this day you work hard every day trying to give us the best life possible.

You have taught me many things; from learning to walk, to speak, to count, to standing firm in my beliefs, and more than anything never settling for anything. You always push me to be my best because only you know what I am truly capable of.

Our relationship is very special because though you are my mother and you sometimes have to act like it, you are also my best friend. You held me tight for my first heartbreak, you wiped away my tears when I hurt myself dancing or playing softball, and you still hug me tight every night before I go to sleep.

We may fight and argue, but it is only because I am practically a carbon copy of you. I may not always agree with every decision you make, but I trust you when you say one day I will understand, and that day is when I will become a parent to a beautiful little soul.

Watching you care for your grandchildren is so truly heartwarming because the love you have for them is the same love I see you have for my brother and I after all of our terrible mistakes so far.

And to close out this letter because I am sure you are crying by now, thank you for raising me to your best, because of that I know to never stop trying to be the best person I can be. I look forward to the day that you see another grandchild born because I know that child will have strong mother, but an even stronger grandmother.

P.S. I hope you enjoy this cute picture from way back when.