Dear Mom,

I know we have only seen each other for about a month or two every year since I’ve gone to college, but there are a few things I think you really need to hear just to remind you of how much you mean to me.

I’m SO proud of you.

For all that you’ve done for yourself. You’ve created a beautiful place to call home. You've had your trials and tribulations, but, in my eyes, you have handled them with dignity and benevolence.

You've been a great role model.

You've been through so much and have shown me how strong a person can really be. You have inspired me to stick it out through tough times, but you have also taught me to know when to walk away. Thank you for showing me how to love and take care of myself at times when it isn't so easy.

You are truly one of my best friends.

I can always trust you to give your honest opinion, even if you know it isn't what I want to hear. You always keep me grounded. I can also trust you to keep any secret. As I've grown up you have begun to respond to me with an open mind, showing me a special kind of respect. I hope I make you feel respected always. I always look forward to seeing you, get sad when I have to leave and love spending time with you.

I love you.

This word is too easy to say for what it’s worth. I said it when I was a kid without truly knowing what it meant. I say it now because I know what it means to me. I love you mom, which means I think you’re awesome even when we don’t agree. It means I respect all that you are and all that you do because I know the kindness of your heart. I love when we cook together and watch our shows together. I love hearing what you’re up to, even if it’s just feeding the cat because that is just a “you” thing to say. I love how we seem to be able to talk forever without running out of topics.

I’m here for you.

So many times you remind me that I can always call you if I need you. You ask if I’m eating OK or if I need money. You ask how school is going and you will do whatever it takes to see me succeed (even if that means paying a ridiculous amount for summer classes).

I just want to say all those things back. Mom, you call me if you need me. Let me know if you need anything. Literally anything. I know that the things you offer to me I can’t necessarily offer back, but if there is ever anything, I’m here for you. I know there are some weeks where I don’t communicate with you as much, but if you ever need me I will stop whatever I’m doing to help you. And no, I promise, it will not be bothering me, as you often worry about.

Thank you.

Thank you for playing the fox and chicken game while we waited for the bus on snowy days. Thank you for letting me stand on a chair and bake with you when I was too small to reach the counter. Thank you for all of the beautiful Halloween costumes you made me. Thank you for singing me to sleep more times than I can remember. Thank you for being the alligator in the pool for all those years. Thank you for giving me my very own pet. Thank you for your help with school projects, book reports and presentations. Thank you for being Santa for about ten years and then still being Santa to this day. Thank you for all of the adventures. Thank you for reminding me of what I deserve and never letting me settle for anything less. Thank you you for always supporting me and striving for what's best for me. Thank you for reminding me that I’m doing pretty OK during times when I feel like crap. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed for me and for all of the opportunities you have given me.