Tana Sue Henry. If you don't know the name, I'm so sorry.

She is one of the most brilliant, talented, passionate and genuine souls I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She is my best friend, my number one role model, and the person I always go to when I need advice. I am sure you noticed that she has the same last name as me. My best friend doubles as my mother. The quote, “If I didn't have you as a mom, I would pick you as a friend,” rings so very true. She really is the mom everyone wishes they had.

This article/open letter comes at a random time. It's not Mother's Day or her birthday or Graduation. Everyone deserves to be reminded that they are appreciated, and I decided I wanted to tell the world along with her.

I love to brag on my family. So, fun fact about Tana: she used to get up everyday before high school and run 6 miles. SIX. I can barely drag myself out of bed in the morning, much less run a mile much less six. She played three sports in high school while helping her parents run a full time farm in Indiana. She was on her way to law school until she was offered volleyball scholarship for volleyball. She took that path and ended up as the owner of an art studio. When she became pregnant with me, she quit her job to be 100% dedicated to me. Her love for me has always been nothing but pure and unconditional and an indescribable blessing.

Everyone desires to be loved no matter what they do, and I am so undeserving of that, yet she showers with me with it every day. I have done reckless, stupid stupid things in my 20 years and every time I fell on my face, she waited for me with her arms wide open. She loves me like Jesus does, and it humbles me to think of it.

When I am a mother, when I am a wife, when I am a friend, I will be lucky to be half the woman she is. I am so thankful for the angel God put in my life, and I wanted to pause in my busy life to brag on her and to thank her for that love.