There are only a few people in this world who can say that they know me better than I know myself. Mom, you are one of those privileged few. You had to put up with years of dirty diapers, temper tantrums over math homework, tear-filled friend drama, and tough college decisions. How you managed to put up with me bickering, complaining and being unappreciative all of the time still amazes me to this day. What’s even more impressive is how you stuck by me, believed in me, and loved me unconditionally through it all. I see now, 18 years later, how often I took your love for granted and my heart hurts with regret for all of the times when I let my gratitude fall silent. It’s time that you heard a proper thank you from me for all of the things that I appreciate about you.
1. You’ve been my rock and support system since day one.
2. You’re always up for those midnight calls when I’m down and in need of some motherly words.
3. You always hear me out and listen to me vent.
4. You also know the secret to giving the best advice.
5. You do my laundry.
6. You packed my lunch day in and day out for 17 years.
7. You know what’s best for me, even when I won’t admit it.
8. You spoil me with surprise shopping runs just because you love me.
9. In high school, you knew my schedule like it was the back of your hand and always got me to activities on time.
10. You came to every one of my sporting events or commitments, even when they didn’t matter.
11. You let me go to concerts alone that I probably should’ve been chaperoned for.
12. You repeatedly remind me that it’s OK to have curves and promote a healthy body over a skinny one.
13. You broke me out of my shell of shyness and inspired me to be myself.
14. I can always count on you to send me a cute dog picture to cheer me up.
15. You believe in me even when I don’t believe in myself.
16. You help me see the good in others through your humility and selfless attitude.
17. You taught me how to braid my hair, fill up a car with gas, drive a stick shift, hike five miles and still enjoy it, and do my taxes (still a work in progress).
18. You’ve identified strengths in me that I could never have recognized on my own.
19. You showed me how to love others through your abundant display of love.
20. You’re always there to reassure me that everything will work out in the way that it’s meant to.
21. You encourage me to accept that, while they’re important, grades aren’t everything and my self-worth isn’t based on one test score.
22. You make me laugh at the silliest things (making fun of dad is a big one).
23. You led me to discover how important an education is.
24. You become the “cool mom” when dad says no but you say yes.
25. You let me cry on your shoulder and give me mama bear hugs when I need them most.
26. You don’t see me as a child, but as a strong, independent individual with her goals set, her dreams in sight, and her head on straight.
27. Somehow, I will always be your little girl who you will protect with all of your heart.
28. You taught me to be brave and to put myself out there.
30. You are a jokester, a therapist, a lovebug, a mentor, a role model, and a best friend. You are, hands down and no questions asked, the best mom that a girl could ask for.
Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you more than you know.
