I love you. You are the one person that understands me and comforts me. You’re the only person I can rely on and always come through. You’re my best friend and mother all in one. You are the one person I look up to, for you always know the right thing to say and the right thing to do. I know everyone thinks this about their own mother but, you are the best mom in the world. You know when to be a teacher, a friend, and a mother. Some parents can’t find that balance, but you know exactly when to be what.

I want to thank you. Thank you for putting up with my preteen years, when I was grumpier than usual, sassier, and a whole lot meaner. You never yelled or acted unreasonably, you always knew what to do. Thank you for being my sole advice giver, you are my first phone call when something important happens, you’re the first person I want to see when I get off that plane. Thank you for motivating me to not only be the best I can be but motivating me to get through life. Thank you for being so strong for our family, when things got rough you toughened up for us, you have sacrificed a lot and I can never say thank you enough.

You are the most selfless person I know. I know we don’t always treat you the best (mainly cause your our mother and we know you’ll always love us), but you are the best thing out there. You are the last person to eat, the first person to clean, and so much more. My love and appreciation for you cannot be summed up by this one letter. The inside jokes we have, weird things we do, and routines we stick to are my favorite things in the world. It is so hard being so far away from you, but you made me strong enough to get through it. You taught me that some things, while difficult, are worth it in the end. I love you so much mom and if I am ever half the mother you are I will be so grateful. I love you, I love you, I love you.