When we were younger, it was part of our school curriculum to make our moms gifts for Mother's Day (you know you couldn't wait to give her that flower pot you were bragging about for days). As we get older, however, it becomes harder to give them just any gift. What do you give the woman who has given you everything she possibly can? Your initial thought is: the world. Then reality sinks in, and your bank account chimes in, and you realize that you simply can’t give her everything she deserves. Every mom deserves to know how appreciated she is and how much she is valued.

So Mom, this one's for you.

I wish words could express how eternally grateful I am to have been blessed with a caring, warm, generous, and above all selfless mother. I know I don't always show you how much you truly mean to me and I'm sorry for that. You have always been an inspiration in my life for how bravely you take on new endeavors. We've been through many ups and downs and you've always managed to persevere. You aren't afraid to say things how they are, for you are fearless. You've always been the person I turn to for advice, the person I go to when I need a reminder to keep moving forward, and the person I probably annoy the most (sorry). Despite everything you've been through, you always manage to find the good in the bad, or put your better foot forward. You rise above negativity and I aim to be more like the woman you have become.

You have made many sacrifices to get us where we are and it's because of this that I strive to make you proud. I may not be able to give you the world, but I promise that I will fight to get you everything you deserve.

Even if I don't always say it, I am thankful for everything that you have done and continue to do for us. Thank you for not only being my mom, but for also being my best friend.

I Love You Mom.