Dear Mom,

Thank you for everything. I know I don’t say it enough, but truly, you have no idea how much I appreciate everything you do for me. I know I am off to a rather cliché start, so I would like to define what I mean by everything.  

Thank you for making me turkey sandwiches on sour dough bread with deli turkey, fresh tomato, mayonnaise and Havarti cheese. And of course served with a side of regular sea salt kettle chips. You know just how I like it.

Thank you for (almost) always having Diet Coke in the house for me. I know I for sure took after you with that addiction…and I have no shame at all.

Thank you for scratching my back and arms non-stop. You never say no unless you are pre-occupied with something else, and you never expect it to be reciprocated.

Thank you for listening to me rant, vent, or cry about something you know is absolutely ridiculous in that moment, but you let me have my 10 (more like 30) minutes to get it out of my system.

And then thank you for calming me down, and talking some sense into me after I break down. You always know the right thing to say at the right time, and you truly are the only person that can bring me back to earth.

Thank you for always finding the light and positivity in any situation or hardship I go through. You are so good at keeping a clear perspective, and you have always encouraged me to do the same. You are my sunshine on a rainy day.

Thank you for being the most remarkable woman, mother and wife for our family. You are my hero, inspiration and role model. You hold our family together, and put everyone before yourself. I swear you have superpowers.

Thank you for being my best friend. You always have been, and always will be, my number one best friend. One of my favorite things about our friendship is sharing the same sense of humor. I don’t think you know how much I love joking around and laughing with you…especially when we’re playing jokes on dad. I know I can always go to you with anything no matter how scary, embarrassing or bad something may be. I know you will stand by my side no matter what, and remind me that everything will be okay.

There are a million and a half other things, big and small, that you do for me, and our family that I appreciate more than you will ever know. You are an incredible person, and everyone that knows you knows this. Your outlook on life has inspired me to be a better person. I admire so much about you…your patience, simplicity, and ability to find humor in any situation are just to name a few.

I have no doubt that you were put on this earth to be a mom. You truly are one hell of a mom, and you make it look so easy. You never ever complain about how hard it may get…in fact you never complain about anything. You are the reason I want to be a mother some day, and that is something I am truly thankful for. You have instilled the most important values in me, and taught me right from wrong. You taught me how to be a loyal friend, hard worker, and responsible person. You know what they say…kids learn from example, and you always make sure to lead by a perfect one.

I’ve never had to wonder if true love exists because when I look at you and dad I know it does. I hope one day I can have as strong and loving of a marriage that you have with dad. You have such a big heart, and that doesn’t go unnoticed. You guys are the perfect team, and are somehow always on the same page.

It’s safe to say that you are damn near perfect, and I know that there will never be enough tulips, peanut butter M&MS, and hugs in the world to express how much I love and appreciate you.

You are a diamond.

Love forever and always!