I was raised by a single mother. Please don't give me your pity, because it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. My dad being absent allowed me to get to know my mom in a way I maybe wouldn't have been able to with another parent around. My friends have always thought it was odd that I love hanging out with my mom. But what can I say? She's seriously my best friend. I tell her all of my secrets (some she probably doesn't want to hear), and I couldn't be more thankful. So this one is for her.

Dear Momma,

When it comes to you, I don't know where to start. Our life has a funny way of setting us up for failure. It's nobody's fault. Life just seems to get the most complicated at the most complicated times. But, even after everything you've been through, you have the most beautiful soul I've ever come across. Even though this is my time to shine and start college, I think you deserve some credit for it.

I'll start by saying "thank you."

Thank you for raising me by yourself.

Thank you for always pushing me in school, no matter how badly I was doing.

Thank you for noticing my fake friends before I did, allowing me to have my guard up.

Thank you for always telling me how smart I am.

Thank you for texting me my first night at college just because I already missed you.

Thank you for sharing your past with me.

Thank you for texting me every morning to make sure I didn't oversleep.

Thank you for working your butt off to meet my needs and wants.

Thank you for teaching me how to be a lady, even though I don't listen to you most of the time.

Thank you for sharing your struggles with me, you've allowed me to understand you more.

Thank you for pushing me in everything I do.

Thank you for watching Netflix with me for hours.

Thank you for putting me before yourself.

Thank you for being you.

The other day we were talking. You were talking about everything you've done "wrong," and mentioned that I must think, "I want to be nothing like her." But that's 100 percent incorrect. If I end up being half of the woman you are, I'll be more than proud. I hate that you think I'm in any way disappointed in you. I look at myself and like to think that I'm doing life the right way. I am a result of you. Because of everything you've taught me, done for me, shared with me, I am who I am. And for that, I thank you.

I've just left for my freshman year of college, so I just want you to know that I am thinking of you as much as you're thinking of me. I miss you as much as you miss me. It's as hard for me as it is you. This is the first time we've been apart. You've definitely taught me how to take care of myself, but still, I'm worried. Expect a million phone calls a day from me asking if this dish can go in the dishwasher, and if this shirt can go in the dryer. But again, thank you for not minding.

Thank you for preparing me and helping me through this hectic yet exciting time in my life. I owe it all to you.

I love you around the moon and back. Infinity times two.

Love,

Your little girl