I’ve written a lot about my friends, and how they’ve helped me through a lot of my life struggles, how they’re a big part of my life, and just how I all-around love them. And while that’s all very true and incredibly accurate, the real MVP behind me being the person I am today is my mom.

Many people talk about how their mom is their best friend, and they’re very close. And not to discredit anyone else’s relationship with their mom, but mine takes the cake on the all-around, day-one homegirl. Growing up, my mom was always taking care of my sister and me. My father was ever absent from our lives, and even when he wasn’t around, well, let’s just say he wasn’t exactly the fatherly type. From the very beginning, my sister and me were my mom’s entire world.

Between all of the dance classes, recitals, gymnastics classes, cheerleading practices, competitions, acting classes and auditions, softball games and practices, school plays, and just about anything else I did in life, I knew that no matter where I was in the spotlight, I could look out into the crowd and know I was going to see my mom there, watching intently, cheering me on. The only time my mom ever missed some type of performance of mine was because she was in the hospital after an accident-something that I know she has never forgiven herself for, even though it never crossed my mind to be angry about that. And I know that if she had the power to turn back time, she would and make sure she was there for that measly little elementary school Puttin’ on the Hits performance for my third grade class. And also, let’s hand it to all of the parents that sit and watch everything their kids do; it’s not easy to watch your three year old learn ballet with about as much grace as a gigantic troll, but you’ve suffered through it anyway. Hats off to you.

My mom has had to deal with a lot of my crap. Between angsty teenage years, to breakups with boys, always thinking I’m right and trying to prove her wrong, and just about anything else you can think of. But, for every bad time, poor attitude, or sarcastic remark, my mom was by my side. She not only helped me through whatever I was going through, but she helped to make me a better person at the end of the struggle. My mother has always seen the best in me, and worked hard to encourage me to be the best possible version of myself.

I could go on and on about all of the things that make my mom the greatest, but trying to convey to everyone else in the world just how amazing she is, well, words don’t do it justice. I’m not saying that everything with my mom was always perfect; we’re human, we’re mother and daughter, and naturally, we have had our share of fights. But even during those times, I never for one minute doubted that my mom loved me. Above all of my mom’s great talents, showing, and not just telling, her kids how loved we are is her greatest characteristic. She never once made my sister or I feel as if we were inadequate enough, or that she didn’t care about us at all. I always knew that no matter the situation, no matter what happened, my mom loved me.

My mom is my absolute hero, as if that wasn’t obvious enough. She is my biggest fan and my best supporter. I can never ever express to her how much I appreciate everything she has done for me. Every late night at work, every drive up to school because I was feeling sad, every phone call that lasted at least an hour because I wanted to hear her voice, and every bit of effort she used to push herself to make sure I was happy, none of that has gone unnoticed. Thanks for wiping all of my tears, giving me the best hugs, and telling me like it is. I hope my mom always knows that I love her with all of my heart, and that I too am her biggest fan. And because of her, I didn’t need two parents, because I had the best one.