Mom,

Let me just start by telling you how right you were from the start.

I shouldn't have dated that boy. I shouldn't have hung out with that friend. I shouldn't eat that fast food.

I learned it all too late.

I had my heart broken. Everyone knew my secrets. I gained 40 pounds.

And you held me while I cried.

You held me after I attempted suicide. You talked me down when I cried. You helped me get the help I needed. You were there for me.

Thank you, mom.

For being there when no one else wanted to be. You had to, but you didn't have to be so good at it. And you were.

You still are.

Our conversations went from please do the dishes to how do I get out of doing the dishes at the next holiday. Don't have sex with that boy to mom can I ask you a question about sex? Our conversations have grown to more adult conversations.

"You aren't the little girl you used to be" must have been the hardest thing to say.

Mom you were right.

I changed and I wasn't that girl. I did all the things I said I never would. I did all the things that broke my own heart. I changed and I grew.

But mom, I always listened. You just didn't know it.

I told the guy how I was feeling and that's what caused him to break my heart. I told those friends they were bad friends and that's why they kept buttering up to me. I grew up to be just like you.

Mom, you were my idol.

Even though I said I didn't want to be like you, I did. You were always bubbly, even when you were at rock bottom. You helped me with money when I had none at all.You put up with daddy when he got angry. You never gave up on any of us.

Mom, you were always my best friend.

I may have shouted. I may have yelled that I didn't love you or you were the worst. But I never meant it . You were always there for me and never left my side. You always sided with me, even when I was being ridiculous.

I may have learned it way late. And I may be saying this way too late. You deserve more than this world can offer you. I can't thank you enough for the love, kindness, and care you took in my life that you didn't have to. There are no words, mom, for you and who you are.

You are my world. My bestfriend. My soul mate. The mama bear to the baby bear.

I love you, mom.

Happy Mothers Day.