Dear Mom,

You are the strongest person I know. You've taught me a lot, especially in this last year. You have had to go through a lot with your husband (my step-father) passing away from cancer and with the stroke you had last December. There were a lot of times when things got scary and really sad. Through all of that, you haven't changed at all, you're still the same loving person who has always been there for me.

When Bob passed away it was a really sad day and I know you were hurting deeply, yet you remained strong for everyone else. When no one would've blamed you for just wanting to sit and cry and not see anyone, you were there for everyone and you offered a shoulder to cry on for others. This really made me a stronger person just by watching you do that for others. You motivate me to be a better person and to put others' needs first rather than my own.

When you had the stroke, everyone was very scared. It was a long couple of months, but now you are back and going to work. You get stronger every day and it is amazing to see. I swear everyone in the hospital room was very afraid of the future, but you always were there laying down smiling trying to lighten the room up because you knew that everyone was scared for you. You continue to remain strong through the entire process that is still going on today.

One of my favorite memories of the process is when we went grocery shopping over winter break. When we got home and you were still gaining your strength back, and you opened up a pack of beef jerky and were so excited about that fact that you had enough strength to do it by yourself that you had to tell me about it. I just remember laughing together and it made me realize that the little victories were the most important and that I need to cherish the little things more often.

You never let anyone feel sorry for you, and you don't want people to feel sorry for you. I hope everyone has someone as amazing and strong as you to look up to in their life because you have taught me a lot throughout my entire life. I also hope you realize how big of an impact you have not only on my life but on everyone's life. I can't put into words how thankful I am to have you as my mom.

Love,

Hunter