Mom,

I guess I never actually told you how much you mean to me. I suppose that's because I never fully knew until I moved out. After 18 years of being under your roof, I didn't realize all of the lessons you taught me or all of the support you have given me. So after almost 20 years, I decided to say a HUGE thanks!

Thank you for raising me to be the best me. For always instilling in my brain that I can do anything I put my mind to, whether it was a president, actress, or even my unrealistic princess stage. Your support was unbelievable over the years. Somehow you managed to sit through the countless hours of sports games, cheesy concerts, and even the long award ceremonies. Win or lose, you always came up to me in the end with a big smile and a warm hug. You taught me that the only thing that matters is that I put in all of my effort and heart.

Thank you for teaching me to be a strong woman. You didn't realize you were teaching me this, but it was something I learned through observation. I watched as you handled the curve balls that life threw at you. I witnessed as you handled grandma's illness with optimism and hope. I took notes as you smiled through the many hardships and illnesses I faced growing up. You were a role model to me as you handled life with a joke, a smile, and then action.

Thank you for spending time with me! I never realized it at the time how huge this was, but I am so grateful for the many trips we took shopping for a day or the bike rides we took. The energy you put in to raise me did not go unnoticed. I appreciate all the times you went out and explored with me when all you wanted to do on a day off was relax. The time we spent together allowed me to learn more wisdom and even mistakes that you made and learned from.

Thank you for being my chauffeur! When I was younger, I failed to see how much time and money you spent bringing to me practices or dropping me off at a friend's house. I was embarrassed to have to ride with my mom, even though I never told you how much I valued or talks on the way to our destinations. You taught me to be selfless in doing this. You showed me how to put others first.

Thank you for educating me. The word educate is so vague in this context because you taught me so much! It started at the earliest of age with teaching me to walk and up to now as you teach me to do my own laundry so you don't have to do it every time I come home. You helped me expand my college diet past Ramen Noodles and Easy-Mac. You stayed patient with me as I started driving and nearly gave you countless heart attacks. Your sense of humor and smile put me at ease as I failed and also as I would eventually succeed.

Finally, thank you for being you. Thank you for the love you have given me and continue to give me. Thank you for the words of support and encouragement you give me as I try to make a better future for myself. I could not imagine my life without you. You are my hero and I love you always.