Dear Mom,

I would like to take this time to let you know why you are the most special woman in my life. This upcoming Sunday is Mother's Day and it is more special than your birthday for one very important reason. Everyone has a birthday, but not everyone has a Mother's Day. It takes a special kind of lady to be a mom and you have definitely surpassed the test.

I have been fortunate enough to grow up having you as my mom. I am fortunate that our relationship has blossomed into much more than the standard mother-daughter relationship. You are my best friend, my confidante, and the person I will always look to first for advice on life.

There were nights we would fight and I would say childish things that made you think I didn't appreciate your love. I just want to let you know that I have done nothing, but admire you my whole life. From the day you held me in the hospital to the day you dropped me off at college, and so on, you will always have the number one spot in my heart.

I would like to thank you for answering my daily phone calls (despite me forgetting the time difference and waking you up early), for always listening to my random stories and for not rolling your eyes at my mindless meltdowns. You are the best listener I have ever met.

Thank you for helping me explore the world; you are the one who has shaped my mind. Thank you for living by example; you have shown me how to live a life of purpose and how to never back down when things get tough.

I will be forever grateful of your compassion, and when people say they see you in me I can't help but smile. Although we may be miles apart, I know in my heart that I will always be able to come home to your love no matter where life may take me.

So here's to you, Mom. May every day be as special to you, as you are to me.

I love you.