Dear Mom,

My first month of college flew by, some days were slower than others, but here I am, a month later ALIVE. Classes started a few weeks ago, and I’m with swamped homework. The professors here are way different than the ones at home. And, who knew that textbooks cost so much money! If you’re wondering why my bank account is depleting, then that may be why. Well, the textbooks and the occasional trip to Starbucks or Dunkin. It’s definitely different then high school. A lot of change, a lot of freedom, and a lot of responsibility.

Within the first day of you leaving, it hit me, it really hit me: This was happening, this was real. But after a couple minutes when I gathered myself and went down to the dining hall, I knew that I could do this. I’ve had a very good teacher, mentor, friend, and mother by my side throughout my 18 years so far. And I knew that you would be a phone call away. It’s an understatement to say that you have been with me through everything, and it’s weird to think that I’m on my own. Well, I’m on my own, 45 minutes from home.

Growing up, you were there for all of my soccer games, theatre productions, different friend groups, and helping me find myself. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without your support, love, honesty, and belief in me. Most of the time, the belief and encouragement you had for me, drowned out the doubt I had in myself. In high school, sometimes I would find myself stressed out from all of the homework I had to do, plus practices, meets, chores, and work. But, throughout all of that, you were there; helping me think rationally, sorting my thoughts and my crazy schedule.

You always saw the best in people, even when times were tough, you knew which people were going to be my lifelong friends, and the ones who were just there for a year or two. But it didn’t matter to you; you would help me through the times when I needed a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent too, or just needed advice. You’ve helped me through friendships that went sour, and encouraged me to find new friends. You’ve always been my rock, and nothing is going to change that. You were always the one who could tell how I was feeling before anyone else. You have helped me realize my potential in life, and have supported me and my plans 100% all the way through. You would always be the first one to pull me up out of the hole I was digging for myself, and showed me the light. And it’s that light that I’ve carried with me throughout this first month of college, and will continue to carry with me through the rest of these years.

Sometimes when I’m with my friends and we’re talking about home, or our families, you’re one of the first people that I think of. Some of my other friends are jealous of the close relationship that we have, and I’m so very thankful to have an amazing person like you to call my mom.

This is a letter to not only say that I am alive, and well, but it’s also a thank you letter. Thank you, for helping me through every hard decision I have had to make in my life. Thank you for always being there and supporting me. I’m so thankful for having you by my side during these years in my life and I look forward to the advice and support that you’re going to give for years to come.

Love,

Your Daughter