Thanks for everything, Mom.

Thanks for all the love, hugs, and kisses, even when I'm not in the mood for any. Thanks for all the advice; from fashion to life-altering decisions, and everything in between. Thanks for having fun with me always; our car karaoke and dancing sessions will never get old. Thanks for supporting me through thick and thin, and everything I do wouldn't be possible without you. Thanks for showing me that you are capable of achieving whatever you dream of; your success is unmatched. Thanks for being the best first boss for six years. It's only the first year with a different one, and I miss you as my boss already.

Thanks for raising me to be a kind, compassionate person who is considerate of others, and for teaching me good morals. Thanks for inspiring me to do well in college, and for helping me become a more outgoing person. Thanks for our lunch/dinner dates and going shopping together. Thanks for laughing with me, even at the most trivial things. Thanks for dealing with me when I'm difficult or having a bad day. Thanks for being a shoulder to cry on, and a person to vent to.

I can't thank you enough for being the best mom in the entire universe. Just being you is more than enough for me. I aspire to grow up to be at least half of the person you are. The way you carry yourself and care about other people is incredible. You always look on the bright side; you stay positive on the darkest of days. You know how to make people smile, and feel special. Your decorating and event-planning skills are impeccable. You know what to say and what to do in any situation. You're a problem-solver and a mediator. You treat my brother and I as equals, and with love and respect. Your love for Dad is one like no other. The relationship between you two is rare, and it makes me believe that true love still exists.

You've taught me that sometimes there are cold-hearted people that decide to take their troubles out on others-- you just have to let the words go in one ear and out the other and keep going. Since you are a clean freak, I have learned that cleanliness is very important. Doing the smallest act of kindness can change someone else's day around. Also if you put good out in the world, it will come back to you. You've said that not everyone will like me for who I am. You've told me that it's okay to have high standards for my life, and to walk into a room with confidence because there's nothing to lose. You've aided me in trying to decipher what is the confusing, mysterious species that is man. You've reassured me that the right guy will come around eventually (hopefully) and to enjoy my youth. You've reminded me millions of times that the right people will stick around, and the wrong people aren't worth a single breath or thought. The most important lesson of all is that being me is the best thing I can be.

There is no one else on this planet like you. I know you're not perfect; we're all not. I love you more than you'll ever know. I don't know what I'd do if you weren't my mom. I know everyone says that their mom is the greatest, but no mother will top how much you've accomplished in your almost 54 years on Earth. You're amazing, irreplaceable, and one-of-a-kind. I can't tell you how thankful and grateful I am for all your love that has encompassed my life for the past 18 years, and I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for you. I can't sum everything up within 700 or more words because a mother-daughter bond is indescribable--priceless.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. May you be celebrated today and every day like you should be. Thanks for everything. By everything, I mean everything. Every single thing.