I am lucky enough to say that I have had the same best friend over the course of my entire life. That person is my mother.

The relationship that mom and I have is ubiquitously unique, and it exceeds the typical "mother-daughter bond." We hold one another to high standards that motivate us to excel in all aspects of life. We relentlessly respect each other. We thrive off of each other's positive moments, and are important support systems for the other during the negative times. We both share every single minute detail about the experiences we encounter every day (which isn't hard to keep up with considering that we are always together). Whether we simply need to vent or are seeking advice, my mom and I will always provide that pair of ears eager to listen to the other's story.

Immediately after something happens I say, "I can't wait to tell my mom about this!" Never have I ever felt ashamed or uncool for thinking this way, despite the insurmountable number of times that people my age have responded to me with a puzzled look and asked, "You talk to your mom?"

"Yes," I reply, "I tell my mom everything."

Finding myself partaking in this conversation on many different occasions has made me realize just how special it is that my mom and I are best friends. This situation isn't possible for a lot of people due to certain circumstances, some that are controlled and some that are not. I cherish the fact that not only is it possible for my mom and me to be so close, but also that we choose to have each other's best interest in mind no matter what.

However, things are not always perfect. We disagree. We get mad at each other. We fight. We say things that we wish that we didn't as soon as the words slip between our lips. Yet, somehow we always move beyond all of that. I think that having the ability to move on from negative times strengthens our relationship, bonding us even tighter together, as we understand that we are learning and growing simultaneously.

I would be lost without the connection that I share with my mother which amounts to something significantly more than simply being her daughter. We share the most hilarious inside jokes. Together, the two of us have created some of the best memories. Each time that we relive those memories and tell the same story over and over, we laugh harder and longer. I willingly involve my mom in everything that I do because I want to. Ultimately, I know that she enjoys being such an important aspect of my life, and I can say, with certainty, the same about my role in her life.

I am eternally grateful that I can have this extraordinary relationship with one of the most influential people in my life.