Dear Mom,

Your birthday comes around every year. We try to make it a special occasion every year; sometimes we succeed with this and other times we fail. This will be the first birthday I will not be around to celebrate with you in person. It makes me so sad but we both know there was not really a way to make it work with my busy schedule. I may have said them before but there are a few things I wanted to say to you on your birthday this year.

Thank you for dealing with my anxiety and irrational fears.

I know that my elementary years were not an easy trek. There were sleepless nights (for both of us). There were panic attacks that neither of us knew how to deal with (and still don’t). There were times where you didn’t know if I was going to be okay or not. Now, we look back on those times and know that I would not be the person I am today if it had not been for those tough times.

Thank you for teaching me how to be strong and independent.

I remember watching you when I was younger and thinking “look how she holds herself, I hope one day I can be like her." I like to think that I am confident and resilient just like you are. That is all because of you and what you’ve taught me over the years about when to stand up for yourself and when to shut up.

Thank you for pushing me to move away for school.

I remember a few years ago being so mad that you were going to make me live at home if I went to college close to home. I had a plan and you were telling me no. This ended up being the best thing for me because I’ve grown in more ways than I could ever imagine and that is all thanks to you and dad for pushing me to go away for school.

Thank you for giving me my younger sister.

I can’t not tell you how appreciative I am to have my younger sister. I know that I would not be on the path I am today without my experiences with her. Having a younger sister taught me so many skills I would not have learned any other way.

Thank you for letting me vent about the dumbest stuff.

I know my calls get annoying at times but they make me feel so much better after I have talked to you. You may not be able to solve all of my problems but it makes a world of difference having someone who is always on my side and willing to listen.

I hope the rest of the team gives you the best birthday and makes you feel like a queen because you deserve it.

Happy Birthday Mom!