Mom, what a woman you are.

I don't even know where to start when I go to thank you for everything you have done so far. As your only child, our bond was strong. It was you and me against the world, or at least our bustling tourist-packed hometown.

Now that I'm out of the house after 18 years of living with you, I realize how much different "adulting" really is.

From my first trip to the grocery store on my own to going on dates without you meeting them first, life really has changed. I know it has for you too. I always wonder what you do now that we don't go on our daily shopping trips or lunch dates.

Remember when I always swore I "wouldn't have the time" to call or text?

I'm pretty sure I call you every free second I get, and I text you every time something happens that I think you'll find the slightest humor out of. I FaceTime you every Friday and Saturday night for outfit help, even though the mediocre college dorm Wifi prevents us from being able to see each other most of the time.

One thing that I have noticed lately?

Out of all of the teachers I have had in my lifetime, you are definitely the one I have learned the most from. All of your unintentional life lessons and the "life hacks" you have shared with me have gotten me far here. Who would've guessed that a Kroger Plus card could be such a magical thing? (You have definitely taught me how to find my way around a grocery store.)

There's so much more I could say, but I might as well wrap this up with an I love you and a thank you. You have sacrificed so much for me to be here in college, and I am so very grateful. Thanks for being the best mom a girl could ask for. I promise I'll never stop annoying you with my sometimes stupid questions and silly stories.

Lots of love,

Your work-in-progress daughter