Dear Mom,

Everyone is born with a mom, but I was a little more fortunate than many. You are more than a mother to me; you are my best friend, my shopping companion, the holder some of my deepest and darkest secrets, my biggest fan, yet my biggest criticizer. That’s your job as my mom, right? Well, for all the times I snapped at you for your opinions that didn’t line up with my own, I’m sorry. For all the times I criticized you when I was out of line, I’m sorry. I know now that all of these times were purely for my benefit and were meant to improve my future plans and decision-making. I realize now that many of our arguments were due to us being so similar, so much so that neither one of us would back down from her side of the argument (or could stand for the other one to win).

Although we’ve had some rough patches (haven’t all mothers and daughters?), our happy memories are countless and still multiplying. Since we are so similar in several ways, we are able to have so much fun doing something so simple. Sitting in a public place people-watching is one of our favorite things to do, and you can’t deny it! Shopping is always a blast with you because we enjoy making fun of the crazy styles, more than looking for what we went for in the first place (which makes for a long shopping trip, but we’re not complaining). We never have an issue choosing where to eat because we hate the same places and can always agree on Mexican or Chinese. We both also happen to be very dedicated members of the Democratic Party and have no shame in everyone knowing.

When I need to be alone, you understand. When I want to brag about my accomplishments, or just gossip about the attractive guy I saw in town the other day, you’re all ears. When I need advice, you try your best to provide me with options, and educate me about each and every one. You never fail to make me laugh when I’m going through a hard time and understand why it's necessary for me to rant when I’m angry (we both know I could go on for hours).

You were there for all the school plays and talent shows, the cheerleading competitions, swim meets, and award ceremonies. You were there my freshman year of high school when I swore I would never date a boy again, and then you were really there after my first real heartbreak the summer after senior year. You were there for all my greatest accomplishments thus far, and you were the engine behind many of them: pushing and fueling me to succeed every step of the way.

After I went to college, our relationship was challenged because that was the true beginning of me becoming an adult, which meant less constant contact, less secret sharing, and well, less shopping. We went from seeing each other every day, to seeing each other a quarter of the year. This was a test for our relationship, just as it would be for any relationship. Yet, here we are several arguments later, stronger than ever.

You took me under your wing, just as any mother should and I am forever grateful. For all the times I should’ve said thank you for all you do, here is it: Thank you, Mom, for encouraging me to be my best self, to be better than even you are, and to follow my dreams. You’ve raised a very happy daughter (even though I may not always act like it), a daughter who will continue to push herself, and a daughter who will do the same for her daughter one day. You truly are the best friend I could ever have.

Love always,

Your youngest daughter