Mom,

I wish I could thank you for everything you have done for me. I know that nothing I can ever say or write will express to you how much I appreciate all that you do or how much I truly love you. When you read this you'll cry, but just know it still isn't enough; because nothing will ever be enough. There is nothing I could ever give to you to show you what you mean to me. But, nonetheless, I want to thank you. Thank you for all the things you did and do that I know you didn't have to.

You stood by me even when I was wrong.

People always say that your mom shouldn't be your best friend, she should be your parent. However, I'm so thankful that you were a two in one package deal. I find peace in knowing that I will always have you by my side. Even if you don't approve of my mistakes, you'll always be right there to take care of me and tell me it will all be OK.

You made me feel loved when I didn't deserve it.

I'm sorry for making you cry. I know it wasn't easy to do it all on your own. All I thought about was how you were making me late to school. Instead, I should have thought about how I made you late to work everyday. All I thought about was how sad I was when I thought our lives were falling apart. But, I should have thought about how you needed my support through the rough times instead of my criticism. All I thought about was myself, when I should have thought about you. Because all you've ever done is thought about me. You showed me the true meaning of love above all else, when I most definitely did not deserve it.

You did everything you could to give me the life that you never had.

I will never know what it's like to live above a bar, like you did as a teenager. I hope I never know what it's like to be a single mom of two. But, if those are the circumstances, I know I'll be OK, because you showed me your way. The other day at my sorority's alumni luncheon, a girl's mom attended with her because she was initiated into the same sorority when she was in college. For some reason, my heart felt so sad and I didn't know why. And then the realization hit me: my heart broke for you. Instead of having your college days or your young, wild years, you were stuck raising me. Your 21st birthday consisted of taking care of a toddler, instead of the traditional college party night. You're so smart, Mom. I'm sorry that you have to live a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle. You gave up your life for me, and you didn't have to. I know you say you wouldn't want it any other way; but, I just want you to know that I'm thankful. Because of you, I get to live in the best way possible. You gave me opportunities and a life that was never given to you. And I love you so much for that.

I'm sorry.

Lastly, I just want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I'm not the best me that you raised me to be. You deserve the best daughter possible. You shouldn't have to put up with someone that takes their anger out on you when you've done nothing wrong. I wish I could take back all the mean words I said and my hateful actions. Just know my annoyance was not your fault. If I was in a bad mood I should have never taken it out on you. Because the best parts of me, are you. You're in everything I do. I know you did all you could to give me the life you never had. I know you did all you could by yourself. I know you did all you could, because you love me more than anything in the world.

One day I hope I can be not only half the mom you are, but half the person as well; because you're my favorite person I've ever met. I was beyond lucky to be raised by you. Don't ever think, even for a second, that I'd choose another life or a better mom. Simply, neither of those things exist. If there's one last thing you ever do for me, I hope it is this: just remember, I always have and always will love you. As long as I'm living, your baby I'll be.

Xoxo,

Your Baby Girl