Most people have the same vision of their future - meet the love of their life, settle down, and have kids. That's all my mom ever wanted...to be a mother. But she never expected to be a widow, too. So, since then, she's had to do both roles, and I can't imagine how hard that must be. If you were raised by a single parent, too, then you'll understand how grateful I am.

Thank you for working a 9-5, and still managing to come to every PTA meeting, field trip, concert, and silly award ceremony. No matter how stressful your day was, the first thing you'd ask me when I got home was how mine was, and expected nothing in return.

Thank you for taking care of us and yourself after he died, you are the anchor to this family, and if you gave up, we all would have, too. I know you don't realize it, but you are stronger than you believe.

Thank you for reminding us how much we are loved, you never failed to mention everyday how much we are loved by both you and dad. That constant reminder makes everyday just a little bit easier without him.

Thank you for being the best role model, I hope I am half the woman you are one day. I hope everybody could be half the woman you are.

I never expected to be raised by a single parent, but my single parent did one hell of a job. Everyone take this time to let your parent know that they did a fabulous job, and that you love them for it. They are dying to hear it.