Dear Mom,

It's almost time for me to leave. College move-in day is just around the corner, and it's simultaneously exciting and terrifying. While I'm looking forward to going to school and having tons of new experiences, I'm also really scared about being away from home for the first time.

You've been my best friend since day one, (literally.) Whenever I need someone to talk to about anything at all, you're there. I know I can count on you to help me through whatever life throws at me. It feels like just yesterday we were dancing in the kitchen while you taught me Irish songs or going on our daily walks around town. You came with me for all of my campus tours and helped me make one of the hardest decisions of my life.

Now that college isn't too far away, I'm starting to worry about what I'm going to do without you constantly around. I'm going to miss watching TV with you every night, and our seemingly endless conversations about life. Although I'm sure you'll still send your daily "good morning sunshine" text messages, I'm going to miss actually being there to hug you when we wake up. It's always a good start to my day. I'm going to miss you so much, Mom.

I hope you know just how much I appreciate you. I appreciate everything you have done for me, little or big. Thank you for loving me, always encouraging me and even for telling me when I was wrong. Thank you for taking me to surprise concerts, helping me meet my favorite singers, and for random shopping sessions. I always have so much fun hanging out with you.

I've always felt lucky for how close we are. Most of my friends went through a phase where they found their mothers extremely annoying, or simply didn't want to be around them. That never happened between us. I often joke that we're just like the Gilmore Girls, but I really feel like we are. We've always been so close, and I don't think that will ever change. You know me better than anyone else, and you're the person I look up to the most.

I'm sorry If I call you crying from college within the first week - I'm sure there will be plenty of tears shed from being away from home. I'm also sorry if it sometimes seems like I'm too busy to answer your texts, or call you about my day. I promise we'll catch up as often as possible.

I'm positive you will always be my best friend. I'm sure that I will go through a lot of changes in college, and have tons of new experiences. I'll have good days and bad days, and I know you'll always be there to help me through it all. Even though I'm going away, I don't think things will change. I'll still text you about pointless things, and probably FaceTime you more than necessary. You're the one person I always look forward to seeing at the end of the day, and I'll always feel that way.

I love you so much, mom, and I can't wait to tell you all about college when I get there. I'll be calling you all the time to ramble about my day, I'm sure of it. Plus I'll be visiting home quite often just for your amazing cooking.

Thank you, mom, for being my favorite person in the world. I miss you already.

Love,

Your Daughter