Hi Mom! In honor of Mother’s Day, I am dedicating this article to you!

Mom,

I believe that we all become so busy that we forget to appreciate some of the most important things in our lives. I know I don’t do it often enough, so I need to take the time to let you know how fortunate and thankful I am to have you in my life. You have loved me ever so kindly. You have been my biggest support system, my number one fan and my absolute best friend.

You are an amazing woman who deserves an ineffable amount of acknowledgment. You made a huge sacrifice when you decided to bring me into this world. You carried me for nine long months with many long, sleepless, uncomfortable nights. Those sleepless nights didn’t end once I was born. You stayed up all night with me if I cried, and even if I didn’t. You did your best to soothe me even when you were exhausted and overworked. You put all of my needs before yours, and you still do this today.

Thank you for all the times you checked for monsters in the closet and under the bed. Thank you for tucking me in every night, even if it took 12 times. The way you would hold me when I cried and the way you wiped my tears away never failed to relieve my worries. When it wasn't easy to comfort me, the most important lesson you taught me that, this too shall pass. You taught me to admit my faults and to own up to the mistakes I made. You made sure I understood the value in life and shame on me if I take anything for granted. You taught me to never give up on my dreams, and if I fail, try, try again. You reminded me to never stop trying unless I am sure I have done all I could do.

When I would get myself into trouble, you would always be there to pick up the pieces and save me. However, you never failed to make sure l knew what I did was not admirable. The best thing you did for me after this was teaching me how to pick up the pieces myself. Thank you for grounding me and setting rules so I would learn boundaries and respect.

There was a time in which we had a rough patch in out relationship and I know that I have caused you pain. I apologize for all the times I didn’t tell you where I was. I know you must have been waiting by the phone to hear from me and if you didn’t, I would always find you waiting for me in the living room when I came home. This must not have been easy for you. I know that you only want what is best for me. I often used to tell you to leave me alone and that I was fine, but you saw through that. I’m sorry for trying to push you away when I did, but thank you so much for not allowing me to. You are my best friend.

We have been through so much together, and I don’t know where I would be without you. You stayed strong when times were hard. You did your best to help me learn and heal from our experiences, even though I knew you were hurting as well. You smiled when it was hardest for you, and it taught me how to be tenacious. Thank you for being there throughout all the fights with friends, and when my first love broke my heart. Thank you for mending those wounds and showing me what love is, but more importantly teaching me how to love. Thank you for attending all of my events and cheering me on. You never missed anything I did, and you were always so proud. Thank you for being my number one fan.

You showed me what it meant to be real. Thank you for looking at me the same way since the day I was born. Thank you for loving wholeheartedly. I will always value the lessons you have taught me. I could go on for hours about all the things you’ve done for me. I just want you to know how much I love and appreciate everything you do for me. You are the strongest woman I know, and I strive to be like you. I am so fortunate to have you as a mother, and I am forever indebted to you.

I love you to the moon and back a million times.