Dear Mom,

I want to say thank you for always being there. Thank you for never letting me fall and always motivating me. I would not be who I am today without your influence. You raised a household on your own -- you managed your own life into your children's lives... which is amazing. The world threw every obstacle at you over the years, but you have continued to fight and push forward for the wellbeing of your children.

I do not think that you get all of the credit you deserve. I know that sometimes I fall flat of letting you know how much you mean to me and how much you are appreciated, but I do not want you to forget how much I care for you.

When I was younger you were my guiding force. When I was scared at night you were there to comfort me. As I grew up my fear of the dark disappeared -- but needing you there did not.

I am who I am because of how you raised me. I just want you to know that (and I think I turned out pretty okay...).

Now here I am, in my twenties, about to graduate college. I live in another county now and I am beginning to start my own life. I can only come home certain weekends, and sometimes only for a day. I may not call you every day either, but do not let that fool you. You are always the first person I call when I need to be comforted (or when something interesting happens... I just need to talk, etc.).

So many people have come in and out of my life, but you are the one who has always been there.

The last twenty or so years of my life have seemed so short yet so long and there is still a long way for me to go in life. I am glad that I have you as my stepping stones.

Please do not ever forget this and know that you will always be my mom. You will always be the one I look up to, the one I model after, the one I want to talk to at the end of the day... You will always be my mom.

I am not a child anymore -- but you will always be needed.

As I am growing up I can only imagine how I look through your eyes and every day I hope that I am making you proud.

No one could ever replace you and I am so thankful for that. You are one in a million and I am lucky to have you in my life.

Please just remember that even when we may not get along all of the time, or talk everyday, that I am still thinking about you.

I am sure you already know all of this, but here is a little reminder for you whenever you are in doubt.

You deserve the world and so much more.

Until the end of time you will be my biggest fan, my biggest motivator, and my biggest inspiration.

I love you, Mom.