Mom,

To answer your first question: No, leaving home was not easy because you annoy me, or because you made me do the dishes, or because I wanted to get away from parents and responsibilities. It is actually the exact opposite (and you don't actually annoy me ... most of the time). Now that the first concern has been dismantled, and I know you were thinking it so don't pretend, I'd like to take the duration of this letter to tell you how humbled I am to be your daughter. How blessed I consider myself, and ultimately, how appreciative I am of all that you have given me, and why it made leaving home so easy.

Let me start by acknowledging all the accomplishments you have made in your life thus far and praise you for the fearless nature in which you've achieved them. You have taught me lessons as you've learned them. I have watched you struggle with the curve balls life has pitched your way. Instead of cowering with the fear of getting hit, you planted your feet, stood your ground and caught the ball. You have instilled this nature within me, and I am forever grateful. You have shown me how to be fearless even in the face of adversity.

You once explained to me the normalcy in doubting, but the necessity in making a firm decision — the raw importance of knowing what you want in this world and exactly how to get it. This knowledge is vital in a world of insecurities. You have always told me how decisiveness is more than just the ability to make a choice, but the ability to make a life. I have watched you defend your actions, stand by your decisions and always follow through, because you never go back on your word. I can almost hear you saying, "I don't care if anyone else is happy. I care if you're happy, I care how this decision affects you." When martyrdom is idolized so frequently, it is so important to be able to live for yourself.

You have shown me the importance of love, not necessarily the romantic type, but all the vast dimensions of love. I have watched you fiercely love your children, and you are loved fiercely in return. You are blessed enough to endlessly love your job and the family and friends who empower you. You love life regardless of the hardships. You love because love is freeing and because love is beautiful. The way you take on the world says more than your words ever could. You love because to love and be loved in the greatest gift of all.

In kindergarden when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: My mom. Not only do I have the most beautiful mother, I have one who will stand beside me every step of the way. You are a special breed of human, I have to believe, because I cannot even begin to understand the sacrifices you have made for me. You have given me an entire baseball team to stand behind me when life throws that ball, you have given me confidence I did not know I had until I stepped out that door. When I left our house to embark on this new chapter in my life, I did not once look back. I am ready to face the world, thanks to everything you have taught me. I know home will never truly leave me. We can live a million miles apart but I will be home every time I hear your voice on the telephone, I will be home whenever I see your handwriting dancing across a birthday card, I will be home whenever I'm with you.

I love you mom, for making leaving so easy, and for making me strong enough to take on the world. I may be almost done with college now, but I'll always be your baby, pouty face and all.