In my short 18 years on this earth, I have been nothing but confused. About pretty much everything. Why can't you wash the red clothes with the white? Why can't you put the plastic cups in the dishwasher? How the hell do I not rip this girl's face off? And, well, you've been able to answer every single one of those questions for me. You know more than I could ever imagine would fit in one person's lifetime. I think you're quite the genius.
From the time that I was a kid you taught me everything I needed to know about being a good little human. Sharing is important, even if that cookie WAS closer to you. Respect is given to your elders unless they act like kids themselves. Patience is a virtue, especially when you have five bucks burning in your pocket and you really want to spend it.
More importantly, I've learned how to cope and learn from the troubling times that I go through. You've given me the strength to persevere and fight. I am most thankful for that.
As I've grown and become a "Kidult," I have realized something pretty amazing. Not only are you my mother, but you are truly the best friend that a daughter could ever have. When the weeks at school are long and difficult, I look forward to spending my weekends on the couch with you catching up on "The Walking Dead" and exchanging sarcastic remarks. I love talking to you about the previous week and laughing with you. I appreciate this more and more every day because I know that it won't last forever. That harsh reality is always there to slap me in the face.
I place such a high value on our relationship because there is truly no one out there who knows me quite like you do. I know that you will be there for me as long as you possibly can, that you will support me, and that you will love me unconditionally. That doesn't result from any old friendship. A friendship between a mother and a daughter is special.
You raised me to be the person that I am today. I am proud of who I am because you are the one who helped me get here. As I get older, I am more like you every day. In fact, I would love nothing more than to be as wonderful as you are. I hope to someday give you everything that you deserve, as a thank you for everything that you have done for me all of my life: the grandchildren, the house on the bay, and the fullest heart on the planet. But for now, here is this letter to you.
Thank you, Mom. I love you.
