Far too often, we do not stop to thank those who have done so much for us.

Recently, in reflecting, I realized that I do not thank my mother nearly enough for all she has done for me. My mother, the person who brought me into this world, the woman I trust with my entire life, has made me who I am today.

As children, we take everything for granted and just assume that everything must be given to us. And, honestly, I did exactly that.

Growing up, I just kept asking for more rather than being grateful for what I had and saying thank you. I wish that I could go back and say thank you for each and every little thing that was ever given to me or done for me because I would be nowhere without any of it.

My mother has always provided me with the best, and she'll never stop.

I remember once my mom explaining to me that every night when all her children are not home, she does not get any sleep. She stays up worrying about what could possibly happen to the children she cares about more than anything in the world, and that is what makes a powerful mother.

My mother is the strongest woman I know. She has been through just about everything bad that could happen to anyone but still starts every day with a huge smile and an optimistic attitude.

Most people would think that someone who has gone through having five children, having a sick husband for two years and so much more, would be barely hanging on, but my mom is still hanging on and with a very strong grip at that.

She has managed to make it to just about every sporting event for all of her children, has managed to successfully raise and send two daughters to college, a son to a prestigious private school that is hard to get into and is on the way to do so much more.

If you were to ever tell her that you are amazed and proud of what she does, she would not hesitate to say it was all her children that did it. Being humble is probably one of the most important lessons I have ever learned from my mom.

I have learned that nothing in life is given to you and that you have to work for everything and continue working your entire life because life is not easy, but it is all worth it.

I have learned about how truly amazing some opportunities are and to never take them for granted. I have learned to face every hardship with a smile because there is always someone there for you to help you get through the hard times.

And most importantly, I have learned to never forget where and who you came from, because at the end of the day, nothing is greater than family, and nothing can ever replace the bond of a mother and daughter.

Thank you, Mom, for teaching me to be the best version of myself. I will always be incredibly grateful to have you in my life.