Dear Mom,

I know I could be a really big pain in the butt sometimes, but i just want to share with you a couple of things and express how awesome of a mom you are.

You have cared so well for me from the very start. The earliest memory that comes to mind is the morning of picture day when I was in first grade. I made you put my hair up in two pigtails over and over again until it was perfect, and you let me dress up in my favorite overalls. Every morning, you would put me on the bus and you would leave me with a soft kiss goodbye on the cheek. When I would get home from school, you would welcome me with a home-cooked meal that warmed up my stomach.

Whenever I had a bad dream I would sneak into your bed, and you would hold me. Till this day, I occasionally still do and you still don't have the heart to kick me out . We would spend hours talking until we fell asleep. On a gloomy day, you would crank the house with music, and you would dance with us and make us laugh so hard at your terrible dance moves.

As I grew older, you and I grew closer. While most girls in their teens were getting into fights with their mothers, we built a beautiful friendship. We would spend hours talking about life and boys. We would laugh so hard until our stomachs would get sore and we could no longer breathe. The fact that I would want to spend my weekend bonding with you rather than with friends was incredible.

Despite all the good memories, there were also tears shed over the years. When things aren't so great, you are always there to let me know you will be OK. You assured us and showed us that no matter what, your kids will always come first.

You are my very best friend. Throughout high school, you have encouraged me to be the best that I can be, and you continue to do so. When i make a mistake, you are always there to remind me that no one is flawless. When I had my first heartbreak, you sat on the bathroom floor for hours and held me. You squeezed me so hard and never let go. You are my tape and glue, Mom. Without you, I would not be the person I am today. You raised an incredible woman.

So, thank you, Mom. Thank you for the unconditional love, for never giving up on me, for being the best mom anyone can ask for, and I know I don’t say it as much as I should but, from the bottom of my heart, I love you.

Love you always,