Dear Mom,

I'm writing this letter to let you know just how important you are to me. This year has definitely been a difficult one and probably was one of the most difficult periods in my life. It was difficult in a lot of ways that you probably already know about (because I tell you almost everything) but one of the most difficult aspects of it was being away from home. Packing up to go to school and saying goodbye to you and Dad was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I remember just crying so much because I had felt like I had lost my best friend, which sounds very dramatic but hey, that's who I am. But at that time it had dawned on me that I couldn't just curl up on the couch with you and eat tubs of ice cream, and watch scary movies all day and we couldn't gossip like we used to. It was especially difficult when I had a really rough day and I couldn't just come to you and tell you about it and although I could call you, it was just not the same. Don't get me wrong, I love it here at school and being away from home definitely has made me a better person overall. I became more independent and learned to take care of myself (which was difficult). I learned how to do my own laundry, clean my room (sometimes), and how to make my own appointments (kinda). But what I want you to know is that I am so grateful for everything that you do for me and for how you have shaped me into the woman I am today.

I want to thank you for always listening to me and my oh so wonderful rants. At home and at school, you have the "privilege" of listening to me go on and on about anything and everything. Whether it be all of the work I have to do, running, or drama/boys you listen to it all. You have listened to me cry about boys and made me understand that I am worth more than I believe. You give me confidence when I need it the most and are the first to tell me if I look bad or am acting ridiculous and although I may not act like it, I am forever grateful for that (most of the time, I don't know why you let me wear certain clothes in middle school, but that's in the past).

I really cannot put into words all that I want to say to you. But I want you to know that you are the most beautiful, kind, caring, and stylish woman that I know and you have always been my role model. You always have our (Jake and Shawn's) backs and take the fall when were afraid to tell Dad something bad. Like remember that time somebody robbed Jake's house and stole his Xbox and that very night you went out and bought him a brand new one (without telling Dad of course)? Or the time when I ran the car into a snow-bank and broke the front-bumper completely off and you told Dad that you did it so I didn't get in trouble (Dad, if you're reading this, my bad, I'm a much better driver now!) Looking back on these kind of things, just makes me realize how much you sacrifice for us and how little we appreciate it. You and Dad always have made sure that we get everything that we want and/or need and we are truly fortunate because not everyone can have that.

Mom, thank you for being my super-hero. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have their Mom be their best friend but I can say that I am. You always are the first person that I want to tell things to whether it's good or bad news and are the person that I consistently text or call every single day. Some people may think that this is weird but they just aren't lucky enough to have a mom like you. I can't wait to come home and spend time with you, whether that means going out and shopping all day or laying on the couch and watching reruns of Supernatural or some other random movie. It doesn't really matter to me as long as we're together. You truly do deserve the world and although I can't give that to you (because a. that's impossible and b. I'm way to poor for that) I just want you to know that Jake, Shawn, and I really do appreciate all that you do for us and would not be the people we are today with out you. I love you so much and can't wait to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Your Favorite and Only Daughter