To all the mothers who are best friends with their daughters (including my own):

I couldn't imagine not being as close with my mother as I am. I sometimes question why some daughters aren't as close with their mothers as I am, but I realize I am just lucky. My mom and I have an unique relationship, one that's hard to explain to others but means the world to me. She is the one person that has been there for me through every step of my life — literally.

Every bad breakup, bad grade, job rejection. My mom has seen it all. I couldn't picture a life where I am distant with my mother, and to be honest it feels weird to try. She's a huge part of my life and I don't want that to change.

My mom puts up with a lot, like my room being horrendously messy or me not filling the dishwasher when I know I should. She deserves all the recognition in the world for not only putting up with me, but choosing to be one of my best friends.

For that, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for always making me feel like I can talk to you about anything. I never had to sneak around or keep secrets, because I knew I could talk to you and not get punished or yelled at.

Thank you for being honest with me, even if the truth isn't what I want to hear.

Thank you for keeping up with my constantly busy schedule. Two shifts, a night class and an essay due but you still find time to feed me and make sure my uniform is clean.

Thank you for always waiting up when I go out to make sure I get home safe, even if that means you sleeping on the couch until you hear the door unlock.

Thank you for having all the inside jokes we have. We speak in a language almost foreign to others, but makes perfect sense to us.

Thank you for always making me laugh, even if I was in tears the hour before.

Thank you for always supporting me in any decision I make.

Thank you for being my best friend.

Thank you for being my mom.