This week is my mom's birthday, and I would like to thank her for everything she does for me, because it is definitely a remarkable amount.
1. Thank you for always being my biggest supporter. Whether it is on a sports field, taking a test, going to a formal, relationships, or a job -- you are always in my cheering block. You never fail to remind me when I'm nervous before or after these things that I am capable, strong, pretty, and deserving.
2. Thank you for having my back. You have never failed to listen to all of my daily struggles for the past 20-and-a-half years. You always agree with me, or if you don't you teach me why I am wrong and how to fix it.
3. Thank you for teaching me how to do for myself. You are a very hands-on person, and if something needs to be accomplished it is going to be done the right way. And most of the time the right way is your way. You tirelessly work to finish whatever you are working on.
4. Thank you for always being my voice of reason. Whenever I let my passive ways accept someone's harshness or don't speak up for myself, you are always there to tell me I do not deserve that kind of treatment or I need to say something. You always have helpful perspectives to consider in everything I do.
5. Thank you for always shopping with me and for me. You always know what clothes look best on me and what would look best together. I love having you shop online for dresses for my events since I have been at school. You should be a personal shopper.
6. Thank you for watching all the same shows as me. I would never know anything about flipping houses, if I didn't grow up watching HGTV and DIY with you. Thanks for indulging in all of our fav "Real Housewives" & E! shows.
7. Thank you for always wanting to go to Target.
8. Thank you for loving to chase emergency vehicles with me.
9. Thank you for making your famous garlic salad. I could eat that for days.
10. Thank you for being so organized. Whenever something needs planned, bleached, or labeled -- no one does it better. You are very creative and know how to accomplish a task.
11. Thank you for teaching me how to be selfless. You do and do and do for everyone else whether or not you get anything in return. You take care of our family, Papa Larry, and absolutely anyone who needs it. I will never forget the times when you would pull over on the road and ask a mother and her babies if they need a ride.
12. Thank you for being spontaneous or when you randomly want to do something. Just the little things, like spending the day at Keystone, or going to Chicago for a day spur of the moment, or driving around campus when Sus comes up. I love all of that.
13. Thank you for being my best friend. I am so blessed to have a mom that endlessly loves, supports, and jokes with me the way that you do. I am so happy to have the relationship that we do.
14. Thank you for forming me (with the help of Dad) into the person I am today. You both taught me so many spectacular lessons, and I am just beyond thankful for you both.
I understand and am utterly grateful that I have you as a mom and to have you in my life. My heart breaks thinking of all those daughters who have had their moms pass away, because I cannot imagine a day without you.
On a lighter note, I know after publishing this article the following will happen:
- You will send a me text saying this made you cry.
- You will call me and say, "That was the sweetest thing!"
- You will also want to print it out (or at least I'm hoping you like it).
With all of these wonderful thoughts about my mother, I don't want my Pops to feel forgotten. You both do an unbelievable amount for my brothers and me. We were extremely blessed to be raised in such a loving household and blessed to have close relationships with both of you. Colin, Avery, and I love both of you to moon and hope to make you proud.
Happy Birthday, Mom! Love you!
