Life will never slow down. Schedules don't get less crowded. Time goes on. In all the craziness of my life right now, this one goes out to you.

Dear Mom,

There are so many things one could say about you. About how hard you work. About the time you've sacrificed. About the love you've poured out. About the lessons you've taught.

Instead, I will simply say thank you. Mom, thanks for everything.

From changing my diapers and teaching me how to walk and talk, to helping me learn to write my name and how to tie my shoes. The lessons I have learned from you cannot be counted. You didn't go to school to become a teacher, but yet you are one. I hope to someday be a fraction of the teacher you have been to me, even though I'm in college working on my education degree. The lessons I've learned from you cannot be taught in school.

You taught me to be kind.

You taught me to listen when others speak.

You taught me to try to be the bigger person, even when you really don’t want to be.

You taught me about self worth.

You taught me how to ask questions.

You taught me how to think outside the box, and figure things out on my own.

You taught me to love others.

You taught me to stand up for myself, and what I believe in.

You taught me that hard work is important.

You taught me to value relationships, and that good friends have great value.

You taught me to laugh, when sometimes the only other thing to do is cry.

You taught me that my best is good enough for you.

You taught me to be thankful for what I have been blessed with.

You taught me to see beauty in little things.

You taught me to look out the window on long drives.

You taught me to be humble.

You taught me be strong.

You taught me that life is never going to be easy.

You taught me that riding with the windows down is always a good idea.

You taught me to wear comfy shoes, because blisters just aren’t worth it.

You taught me that I don’t need makeup, but I can wear it if I so desire.

You taught me that a smile is the prettiest thing I could ever wear.

You taught me to go to church.

You taught me to look to the Bible for truth.

You taught me that Jesus loves me.

You taught me life lessons that I will never forget.

I love you, Mom. More than you can fathom.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter

"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)