This is a very important letter to my mom. There are no words that can describe the love that I have for her. She's undoubtedly the best person in my world. So for my first "Odyssey" article, I am writing a special letter of thanks for her.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for getting me this far in life, and pushing me to achieve my goals. Without you I doubt I would be in the position I am in today. When my faith in myself was rocky, you constantly believed that I could do anything if I put my mind to it.

Thank you for always providing not only for our family, but everyone that you around you. You give so much to everyone -- ime, energy, money -- all while never asking for anything in return. You work day in and day out to see people smile, even when you aren't happy. Thank you for teaching me the right way to live life, with no regrets. You taught me to never regret my decisions, because they made me who I am. This is the biggest lesson I have learned thus far and in the long run I know I will appreciate it even more.

Thank your for being my #1 cheerleader, literally. From coming to every choir concert, cheer competition, student government election, and sporting event, you were always there, supporting me. We both know I was pain to deal with and I was very competitive in everything I did. When there was a loss, and I didn't take it too well, I would like to say, "Thank you for always being my shoulder to cry on." After I was done crying and felt like quitting, Thank you for always telling me to get back up again, to start over and to keep going. I will always remember the you saying, "No one in life wants to deal with a sore loser, or quitter." Thank you for never giving up on me when I was being very difficult and stubborn. You always pushed me harder and harder because you knew that I could do better than what I attempted.

Thank you for making sure that I always had everything I needed rather than everything I wanted. You always made sure to take care us and would go above and beyond to make sure that we were cared for. Thank you for constantly supporting me in college. College is expensive (trust me, I know) and the fact you go above and beyond to make sure that I am okay and everything is taken care of makes me thankful everyday. I know that you will always support me in my decisions and back me in my 100 percent. So thank you for spending thousands of dollars to make sure I get the best education possible and that I am successful in life.

The one thing I am most thankful for is you being my first best friend. Some friendships don't last, but with you I will always have a best friend forever. Thank you for knowing when to be a parent and when to be a friend.

You don't hear it enough from me and I will never be able to say "thank you" enough, because the amount of thank you's could never replace everything you have done for me. The ultimate thing you have done is love me. I am so glad that I have you as a mom and I would not want to trade you for any of the other mom's in the world. Thank you Mom.

Love,

Your forever grateful daughter.