Dear Mom,

First of all, I'd just like to say, thank you.

Thanks for all that you do for me and our family. You are a Godly example of a great wife and mom. I can only hope I am half the woman you are one day.

Thanks for being a best friend. For all the times you held my hand physically, mentally and spiritually throughout life. You are my biggest cheerleader and mentor. You and I have such a great relationship. We can be serious, but we always laugh together and joke around. We can talk about our struggles, or we can fall to the floor crying because something is so funny (probably something ridiculous that you said). We can fight and be mad at each other, but we can always fix it and be better than ever. And, we have the absolute best girl dates ever.

But it wasn't always this way. It took a lot of hard work and effort to create this kind of a relationship, and I love where we are at and wouldn't trade it for anything.

But for most of my life, I never valued our relationship. You and Dad were just my parents, and that was it. I never thought I could get along with you guys. Growing up, I thought you guys were always out to get me. I felt like I was always in trouble and like we never could and never would have a good relationship. I'm so glad I was wrong.

Things changed, and I changed. I grew up a whole lot and realized how important family is. I finally realized that you always had, and always will have, my best interest at heart. I figured out that I could trust and confide in you and dad and that when no one else was there for me, you guy always were.

I could finally understand why your relationship with your daughters was important to you. And even though your mom was absent for most of your life, and she never taught you what it takes to be a mother, I am here to tell you that you did great. You raised us girls right, and I am forever grateful.

Even though we may not always see eye to eye, we somehow find a way to meet in the middle. So, I'm sorry for the countless times I went behind your back and did something wrong. Sorry for all those times I fell short and disappointed you. And for all those times I gave you any reason not to trust me. I'm mostly sorry for crashing your dates with dad all the time because going out with you two for dinner on a Friday night beats being out with anyone else. But all of our struggles we've been through together got us where we are today.

Time and time again, mistake after mistake, you still love me. You forgive like no one else can and you continue to encourage me in every area of my life. You helped me get this far in life, and you are still helping me. You are the reason why I chose to peruse nursing, and I'm so grateful for that.

Your strength, despite your health troubles, is inspiring because somehow you still manage to go on even on your worst days. You still put up with all of us, thank God.

You are so beautiful inside and out and are one of the most genuine people I know. You are who you are and that's it. I admire that so much. I strive to be like you in many ways.

Your love and support means more than you will ever know. So I cannot say it enough times but here's a huge thank you.

I love you, Mama. Happy Mother's Day!