Mom,

Life hasn't always dealt you the best of hands. You've struggled with the best of them, especially when you were given the task to raise me by yourself. You never once complained but instead, you embraced your "single mother" status and did it with such grace. I would be nowhere near the person I am today without your guidance, and I cannot thank you enough.

You sacrificed so much of your life for me in raising me alone. You were both my mom and my dad, and you never let me feel inferior for only having one parent. Instead, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

While everyone else was fighting with their mom or complaining about how unfair their parents were, we were a solid, unified team that could make anything and everything work. Of course, we had our moments here and there, but our difficulties always ended up with us watching a chick flick and laughing about our fleeting and momentary lapse in anger.

Because it was always you and me against the world, our relationship was constantly growing and becoming stronger. You always pushed me towards my dreams and always made me feel as if my goals were attainable. You lent me a helping hand when I most needed it and pushed me forward when I felt stuck in place. You never let me fail or sulk for too long when things didn't go exactly my way. You showed me through both your words and actions how loved I am, and you never let me doubt it.

Thank you for coaching my Pop Warner cheerleading team.

Thank you for coming to every concert, show, and recital.

Thank you for always sending me flowers or chocolate-covered strawberries on Valentines Day.

Thank you for dancing like a fool in the car with me (and for always singing way off-key).

Thank you for holding my hand during every doctor's appointment and hospital visit.

Thank you for telling me how proud of me you are each and every day.

Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself.

Thank you for helping me become the strong, confident, and independent young woman I am today.

Thank you for not just being my mom, but for also being my best friend.

You are my confidante and the Loralai to my Rory Gilmore. You were always on my side and rooting for me, even in my darkest days. You have gifted me a world filled with endless opportunities and a safe place to call home. Even though I sometimes hate to admit it, I act (and look) a heck of a lot like you.

Thank you for making me stubborn, opinionated, and outspoken-- a combination that packs a big punch in my five-foot tall body. I am so proud to call you my mom, and I will spend every day making you proud to call me your daughter (pinky promise).

Xoxo,

Your Mini-Me