To the woman who raised me in such a way that I became the man that I am today, I say thank you.

Now for everyone reading, when I say mother, I mean the incredible woman who raised me. For you, this may be a grandmother, aunt, friend’s mom or any lady in between. This is for those women who have made that positive influence in your life.

Mom, I just want to start off by saying thank you for all that you have done in my life. You have pushed me to be not good, not great, but excellent in all that I have done. You made me see that I can do whatever I set my mind to, no matter how impossible it seemed at the time. You made me strive for perfection in times that I know I wouldn’t have had I been without you. You always made me try to be, not the best, but to be the best that I can be. Thank you.

You did without so many times, just so I could do and have what I wanted. When I was a baby, you gave up everything for me. As a kid, you let me have the last of the leftovers that you really wanted. As a teenager, you gave up what little free time you had so that I could play sports and be in clubs or just to run me to meet a friend. As a young adult, you helped me fill out countless sheets of paper work, not only pretty much plan my daily schedule but help me keep to it, and do everything I needed to get ready for the next stage in my life.

As an adult now, you are always there when I need you. Whether I need $20 to go blow on some non-sense, or I’m having a mental breakdown and want to quit college, you are always just a call away. Thank you.

You have always made sure I can take care of myself. I remember from the time that I was little, it seemed like you made me do the things I hated with a passion: cleaning the bathroom, learning to balance a checkbook, DISHES! Looking back now, I am so glad you did. I don’t know what plans God holds for me, but chances are I will have to take care of a home by myself. I know that I can do that. Thank you

I think the biggest thing you have done in my life is show me what is most important. I can go out, get this big degree, make a ton of money and do the things I think will make me happy. I am beyond grateful that you helped to teach me that this is not how it works. Thank you so much for raising me in church and teaching me to always put God first in all that I do. I lose track of that so many times in relationships, school troubles, and just little decisions that I make every day. I know that if I just pray about everything, it will all work out, it always does. Thank you for never letting me forget this. Thank you.

Now, I know that I have not always made it easy on you. I have been rowdy. I have been head strong. I have been lazy. I have been selfish. I have been many things that you never deserved. I know you have always wanted what is best for me, whether I saw it or not. Just please know that I am eternally grateful for you and all that you have done in my life. Thank you

Lastly, thank you for being you, mama. You are the most sarcastic person I have ever known, the most curious person I have ever known, and the most patient (to put up with all you go through) person I have ever known. Although my patience is practically non-existent, I fully contribute me having the other two qualities to you. You go through the workplace and try to go above and beyond for everyone else. You strive to always learn more. You lead a life that I hope to follow. You always give more than you get. Most importantly, you love unconditionally. Thank you