My mother is one of the strongest people I know. She managed to raise two girls, who wanted to kill each other pretty often, into strong women who are slowly making their way into adulthood.

This past Thursday, she graduated with her Associate's degree after a long 2 ½ years, getting better grades than I could have ever imagined.

So this one is for you, Mom.

Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and Ashley. Without you, we literally would not be here, but I also do not know how we would have made it this far in life without your sometimes strict guidance.

You have been there for all of my triumphs, and I am so happy and proud that I get to be there for one of yours.

Throughout my short life, you have made me a stronger person and woman by simply addressing life without a care about what others thought of you. You made me a stronger person by persevering through all the sh*t life threw at you with strength and courage.

You’ve sacrificed so much for me and Ashley that we could never repay you, but we will keep trying.

I know starting college again was scary and seemed like it took forever, but you finally finished and get to wave that diploma around forever. I know that whenever I feel like I can not do something, or feel like a class is impossible, I will remember how you carried your hardships in stride and now have a diploma to thank for it.

Even now as you are rushing me out of the house so you can go and get your hair cut, you are still teaching me that maybe I should not procrastinate as much as I do.

I know it is not much, but I truly appreciate everything you have ever done for me. I cannot wait to see how you take the world by storm with your new degree. I love you so much.

Love, your Dolly.