I've lived in a wonderful home for 20 years now — fresh cut green grass, a large backyard, a screen porch for family dinners, and a garden in the back. There are never paid workers here to cut the grass, cover the pool when September comes around, or seed and fertilize the garden. Why? Because my mother does that herself.

Growing up, she played the role of a mother and a father. She taught me how to braid my hair, make my bed, and check my car's oil and tire pressure. She taught me how to fix my bike, drive a car, build a fire pit, and tend a garden. She also taught me more things than just these, and here they are:

1. My mother taught me to never stop persevering.

She practically raised my brother, sister, and I on her own for 17 years now, aside from every other weekend with dad. She could have sold our wonderful home and moved us children and her into a smaller place but she didn't. She could have quit when her two three-year-old twins were crying and her seven-year-old was screaming in the grocery store but she didn't. Instead, she kept moving forward and working extra hours to keep the house we loved being in.

2. My mother showed me the beauty of independence.

She taught me how to advocate for myself and "If there's a will, there's a way." As I watched her, I admired her ability to do things on her own. For that, at 15 years old, I got my first part-time job. Soon after that, two more. Then, at 16, I purchased a car. At 18, I graduated high school and put myself through college. My mother taught me when things are handed to me, it's merely worth as much as the time I put in.

3. My mother taught me how to love and showed me many ways to.

Love is a home-cooked meal, a two-hour long conversation, a little note on my lunchbox for gratitude, and quality time spent during an ice cream movie night. Love is going to that extent to make someone feel happy, better, and understand why they were not. My mother went above and beyond to make my siblings and I happy; she put our happiness before hers. And I love her for that, though I wish she made hers just as important.

She taught me to be careful with whom I allow in. Leading me to love with all my heart when I do allow a certain someone in. She taught me compromise, loyalty, honesty, and forgiveness - all essential in the world of relationships.

Mom,

You are a walking warrior. You have done what many single parents were not able to do. You raised Christina, PJ and I flawlessly; into young adults who aspire to be just like you. There is never a day that we don't appreciate what you do and what you have done for us.

You have given us special knowledge and I am proud to call you my mother. I love you Mom.

"Together Forever",

Nicole