Dear Mama,

No amount of thank-you's will ever be enough to show just how much I appreciate the endless love, support, and care you have given me my entire life. I like to think you know how great of a mother you are, but just in case, here's a gentle reminder this Mother's Day.

Thank you for always loving me through all of my life stages. From my crying and tantrum-filled toddler years to my grumpy and hormonal teenage years, you handled each challenge I threw at you with grace and ease. It could not have been easy, especially considering you had other children to deal with as well as your own life to worry about. Yet, you always made us your first priority. You taught me that we were your life, and that family comes first, no matter the situation. That we better love and appreciate one another every chance we are given. I learned that because you display that love every day of your life.

Thank you for going more than just along with whatever I wanted to do. A child changes their mind a million and one times, and then some more. When I wanted to be a magician, you got me a magic kit. When I wanted to be a fashion designer, you bought me a sketch pad and colored pencils. When I wanted to be a writer, you made sure I had enough journals to write down my every thought. Through all the different sports and activities I involved myself in, you were always there. Whether you were physically on the sideline of a game or you just showed interest in how a club meeting went, I knew you were with me every step of the way.

Thank you for teaching me responsibility. This might sound like nothing, but I truly am grateful for this. I know how to make my bed and how to do my laundry. I know how to get a job, and hold more than one at a time. I know how to be polite and respectful. I know how to make small talk but also how to hold a conversation. You have always stressed the importance of independence. The ability to not rely on another individual is essential and I am proud to embody that capability.

Thank you for teaching me how to be strong. Through any frustration, anger, jealousy, heartbreak, rejection, sadness, and everything in-between, you taught me to take a step back. You taught me to have perspective and empathy, and that there is always something to gain from any challenge and that is experience. Because of this, I am a better person, and I strive to better myself every day.

I will never understand how you managed to live the life you live. You are so full of love and light and able to give all of that into your husband, your children, and your career. You have taught me to love life, and to appreciate everything, even if something seems minuscule.

Thank you for giving me the world. Thank you for showing me that I have no limits; that I can achieve anything I set my mind to and that I can exceed my own expectations. Thank you for teaching me to never settle. Thank you for being proud of me and recognizing how hard I work. Thank you for giving me drive and determination and teaching me to always find my purpose.

Thank you for being my mother, my role model, and my best friend. No, your job was never to be my best friend. It just kind of happened, and I'm grateful for that too.

Happy Mother's Day Mama.

With love,

Tor