Dear Mom,

I know that I don't really express how much I appreciate you or show through my actions that I care, listen, or am truly thankful for you, but I am. I have gotten through some of the roughest moments in my life because you and dad were there to support me through it from getting pummeled by anxiety to breaking various bones and injuring myself by trying stupid ideas. Your love and support mean the world to me and I just want to take this moment to thank you for what you have done for me throughout my life.

Thank you for supporting me in the things I do. Band camp, swimming, and softball wouldn't have been the same without your support and it would be far lonelier if you weren't there. You helped me as I tried for greatness in my daily activities whether it be my grades or the times that I scored during a race. Even now as I try to figure out which path I am destined to take, you still support me through encouraging words and actions that you express each and every day.

Thank you for trying your best to be at the same events that I attended and being there when I need you most. I know working nights isn't easy. It makes someone tired and exhausted by the end of their shift, but I appreciate that you still were willing to pick up the phone when I had an issue in the morning or go to an event of mine even though you knew that you had to go to work in the next couple of hours. I really appreciate the fact that you were able to go to my events.

Thank you for driving my sorry butt to places that I couldn't have gotten to on my own. There were numerous occasions, before I could drive, where you would be right there to pick me up or drop me off at band events, swim meets, and practices. Now that I can drive, I can appreciate what you did for me back then.

Thank you for all of the hard work that you have put into raising us and doing things for us. You work hard and have worked hard on things that had to do with our education and just raising us. I'm glad you were there for us and that you worked so hard even though you didn't have to.

Thank you for loving me even though I have flaws. I swear a lot and sometimes I don't always listen as well as I should, but you still love me despite these things.

Thank you for being so accepting of all of us, not just me. I keep saying love and support in this letter but it truly does mean a lot knowing that you are right by our sides in our life decisions. You supported my major change and you support the person that I am. I am really glad that you accept my nerdy adventures from cosplay to writing.

There would be occasions where I would wonder where I would be or what it would be like without you in my life and it wouldn't be the same. I wouldn't be the person I am today and I wouldn't be able to get as far as I am today. College and school would have been a heck of a lot harder without you and dad's support and love. I probably wouldn't have been able to get out of any holes that am in, whether they be self-imposed or out of my control, without you by my side.

I thank you, mom, for being you and always being there for me even on my darkest days. I love you!

Love, Alyssa