There really isn't any amount of thank you's that could show how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. You're more than just my mom, you're my best friend, my role model, and the one person I can always count on. People always seem to sympathize with me because I grew up in a one-parent household, but in so many ways, I'm thankful for this. And that's because of you. I really wouldn't trade our relationship for the world. I feel so fortunate to have a mom that I can confide in, laugh with, and who always seems to understand where I'm coming from. From helping me get through breakups to always boosting my confidence, you have been there for me through the highs and the lows.

I know I can be very hard to deal with, so I want to thank you for putting up with all of my complaints and all of the times I didn't appreciate what you were doing for me. You gave me such a fulfilling childhood and have provided me with an amazing life, which makes it easy to take for granted. I know how hard it must be to listen to me whine and pick stupid fights with you and not have someone else to fall back on. But that is what I admire in you the most -- your independence. Watching you create the successful life that you have all on your own has inspired me to be ambitious and always strive for excellence. I truly aspire to be the amazing woman and mother that you are when I'm older.

I want to thank you for all you have sacrificed for me. For all the rides you gave me, all the times you let my friends invade our house for sleepovers, and all the sacrifices you have made to support me in all of my endeavors. You have always been front and center at every event in my life, no matter how big or small it may be. Even though you're busy working and providing for our family, you have never let me down.

I want to thank you for being such an amazing role model. The way that you balance your career and your family has shown me that women really can do it all no matter what anyone says. I hate when people say activities like mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway are "the man's job," because I have personally seen otherwise. I literally don't know anything you can't do on your own. You have truly made me believe that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to, and I know this positivity will get me a long way.

It's not easy to put into words how thankful I am for everything you do for me. I know that being a single parent must be hard at times, but I want you to know that in my opinion, you are seriously THE BEST mom in the world. I am so grateful to have you as my mom and my best friend. You'll always be my sunshine.