I've had many friends over the years, some I haven't seen in years, and others I still talk to on a daily basis. As I'm getting older, I'm starting to realize that the best friend I'll ever have is my mom.

She's seen the best and worst parts of me, yet here she is, still by my side.

Like most teenagers, I argue with my mom sometimes. Okay, on a daily basis, but that doesn't change the fact that I know I can always count on her to be there for me.

Whether I accomplish something I've been working towards, or totally fall on my face in the process of trying, my mom is there for me. One thing I know is that I could never ask for a better mom than I have.

For as long as I can remember, my mom has done everything in her power to make my life better. Sometimes this means sacrificing, which is something she has never been afraid to do.

Between taking care of me when I'm sick, or just having fun "girls days" together, my mom and I definitely have a great relationship, which is something I wouldn't trade for the world.

Throughout high school, I've been a member of the school's volleyball team. My mom was at every game she could possibly attend, and when she was unable to make it, she said sorry about a million times!

This goes for any other sport or club I've participated in, too. Whether it's a show for guitar club, an art show including my work, or even a musical where I'm just sitting in the back working the microphones, she makes sure she is there to support me.

My mom is the most incredible person I've ever met, and to be honest, she doesn't always get the recognition she deserves. If I can get lucky enough to grow up and become half the woman my mom is, I'd consider myself lucky.

I'll admit, my brothers and I don't say thank you anywhere near as much as we should. My mom continuously puts us before herself, and she is beyond due for a break.

I may not tell her this enough, but I want her to know how much I love and need her. I have no idea where I'd be in life without everything she's done for me.

I tend to think this goes without saying, but I want to actually tell her what a great mom and friend she's been for my entire life. In all reality, I'm pretty sure the hardest part of going to college is going to be not seeing her on a daily basis.

So all in all, what I need my mom to know is that she is in no way only my mom. She is also my role model, my support system, my biggest fan, the first person I want to talk to when I get news, and my best friend.