Dear Mom,

I don’t think I express to you enough how grateful I am to have you in my life. As I get older, I realize how much you do for me. Having a mom like you means I always have someone to talk to, someone to offer their wise advice, a role model, and above all, a built in best friend. Quite frankly I’m not sure what I would do without you and our very strong bond.

I know that no matter of where you are or what you are doing, you will always take the time to talk to me. Regardless of whether it's me needing an hour long vent session, wanting to excitedly tell you about that A I got on a paper, or just gossip about last night's episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians", I know that you will always pick up the phone. You are always willing to listen whenever I need it, and that is something I feel so blessed to have. I know that I can talk to you about anything.

You are never at a loss for wise advice to offer me when I need it the most. Whenever I’m stressed, angry, sad, or upset for whatever reason, you always seem to come up with an answer that will help me resolve any conflict I may have. To me its like magic: you always seem to have the solution for everything right at your fingertips. Half the time I feel like you are playing double duty as both my mom and my therapist! I hope that some day I will have all the right answers to every problem like you do.

Throughout my life I have always looked at you as the strongest female role model I could possibly have. You are smart, kind-hearted, helpful, an amazing friend, put others first, and so much more (all of which I could not possibly fit in one article). I have seen you overcome so many personal struggles, and through it all, you always seem to have a smile on your face and an optimistic outlook. You have made me realize that no matter how much of a rough patch I might go through in life, things will work out in the end and get better. You also never cease to put all the other people in your life before yourself. You go above and beyond when it comes to thinking of and helping others. You are that crazy person that looks forward to Christmas just because you are excited to watch family and friends open a gift that you know will bring a smile to their face, never because you are looking forward to opening presents gifted to you. You are also fiercely independent; regardless of how difficult something may be, you are up for a challenge and will work through it all on your own. You barely ever ask anyone for help. Just watching how you act as a person I have learned so much. You are someone that I have always and will always look up to.

As well as being the person that I vent to, the one that solves my problems, and my role model, you are also my best friend. Our coffee dates, movie nights, and shopping trips always brighten my day. Spending time with you is something that always brings me joy. We can laugh, joke, and talk for hours on end. I agree with the statement you have made many times, “A daughter is a little girl that grows up to be your best friend.” I just wanted to take the time and let you know that, in fact, as I’ve grown up I came to realize that we are more than just mother and daughter, we have grown to be each other's best friend. So thank you Mom for all that you do and the best friend that you are!

XOXO,

Your little girl