Mom,

All throughout my childhood, you pushed me to be creative, to be myself, and to work towards being the best me I could be. As I have grown, I compare our relationship to that of Queen Elinor and Merida from "Brave." We used to argue here and there and not see eye to eye, but senior year of high school I learned I need you more in my life than I will ever need anybody else. You are my hero mom, and it's time I let you know.

First and foremost, thank you. Not only are you my mom, but ever since the mental illness took over Dad's brain, you have had no choice but to play both parts. With Dad leaving us high and dry, you instantly stepped into place. These last eight years, you have pushed through and fought a never-ending battle.

Dad left us eight years ago when he decided to leave us mentally and not get the help he needs. More recently, he really left us and moved out of state not looking back. That broke all of us. Somehow you still managed to be the glue that held us all together.

Alone you raised three kids, watched after two dogs, worked, cooked, cleaned, and neglected yourself. You worked so hard, and as a young child, I did not understand why. I did not understand how badly Dad was treating you.

At first, you handled it all by simply ignoring it. As the years past and us kids grew older, you began to stand up for yourself and us kids. With that, I saw you grow. Your mindset changed. You were no longer taking Dad's crap. You were being you, and you were finding your strength.

Your grace, strength, and intuition are a few of the things I admire the most about you. Within the last three years, you have changed so much, and I just want to say that I am proud to call you my mother. Every little girl needs a positive role model to look up to. Mom ,you are that person to me.

Thank you, Mom, for being my hero, for teaching me that no man can control my life, and that I only deserve the best. I love you, Mom, forever and always.

XOXO