As we grow up and walk through the path of this so-called “life,” we face challenges that can either break us or makes us stronger. Most of the time, we overcome these life phases with the help of family and friends. What most of us fail to understand is that a majority of the time, it is all but one person in our life that will never leave our side and regardless of the situation will always be there for us.

In my case, it is my mother. The woman whom I have failed to thank (because I was always “too busy”) for being “my person.”

But they say that it’s better late than never. So for all those times, here are all of my thank you’s to you, mother:

1. For calling me out when I least expected it.

For calling out my mistakes and for helping me realize how right you were when you said, “I told you so.”

2. For your constant and unconditional support.

For being my number one fan since day one - especially during all my recitals. How can I forget that time you recited the National Anthem word-by-word, while sitting across from me, in an audience of parents when I was chosen to recite it in kindergarten? For counting all my milestones and for making every one of them seem like accomplishments.

3. For teaching me that to fail in life only means that it’s time to rise stronger.

For never telling me that life would be easy. For being the shoulder I constantly need to cry on. For never failing to hug me in silence as tight as you can, for waiting for me to be ready to talk. For teaching me that out of every life situation, there’s always a life lesson to learn from, and for reminding me that you will always be there for me, even if I fail again and again.

4. For being the inspiration in my life.

For being the person that inspires me to be better every day. For teaching me what it means to work hard and chase after your dreams. Although I will never become half the woman you are, thank you for being the role model in my life.

5. For never giving up on me.

This is the one I am most thankful for. Because even after crying over something I said that hurt your feelings, you were there for me to help me realize what I’d done wrong. For being so patient and for accepting each and every one of my apologies. For seeing me as a perfect daughter even when my imperfections surfaced most.

6. For being the mom that any child would wish they had.

For your unconditional love and support. For waking up every day to make sure that your children have exactly what they need. For staying up all night until I make it home, safe and sound from work. For being the one person in the audience that I would look up to, every time I had to perform on stage while growing up. For being the one person, whose eyes proved nothing less than love and kindness every time I’d look into them. And for reminding me of your love every day from miles away.

7. For being “my person.”

For being nothing less than a best friend. For all the countless times you gave me advice, for all the words of support. For knowing exactly what to say every time I find myself in need of a person to guide me through. Thank you for never letting go whenever I search for your hand to hold on to.

For everything that you’ve done for me.

Gracias, Mamá.