Being away at college and missing some family get-togethers has made me realize just how much my family means to me. Sometimes I forget to express how much I love and appreciate them all, but I want them all to know that they hold a special place in my heart. With Mother's Day just passing, I felt like now was a great time to write a letter to an even greater person. This one's for you, Mom!

Dear Mom,

In reality, nothing I can say or do will ever show you how grateful I am for you. From as far back as I can remember, I can't think of a single day that you didn't put your children first and that in itself is truly amazing. Your selfless heart and willingness to drop everything you're doing to help one of your kids is admirable and I hope one day I can be half the person you are.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't think I could say those two words enough. Thank you for being involved in all aspects of my life. I loved you being there as my coach in softball, or my cheerleader on the sidelines when I got my first goal in soccer. Thank you for standing outside and helping me sell cookies as a little girl scout and having twenty of my first-grade friends over for a birthday slumber party while still keeping a smile on your face. I also have to acknowledge the countless trips down to camp and back because despite the fact that it's a four hour both ways drive, you've never let me miss anything from the summer camps to the short weekend retreats. My friends absolutely love you and it makes me happy that they enjoy your company almost as much as I do. I'm extremely lucky to have a mom who wants to know my friends and be a part of my memories. I am forever thankful for everything, including the times so far back that I can't remember.

With you being by my side through all of that, I'm also appreciative that you've also stood back sometimes and let me become independent. You've taught me so much just by watching how you handle situations in many aspects of your life. I guess you really do learn by example. I feel like you have prepared me to take on the world myself and I know that if I fail, you'll always be standing there to pull me back up.

Sometimes you may think that you could have done something different, but I'm here to tell you that you've done the best job and I'm very thankful for it all. Thank you for making me who I am and loving unconditionally. You deserve more than a single day, but since that's all we're given officially, let's celebrate!

I love you,

Me