Dear Mom, I know when you carried me for 9 months it had to be painful, but also the best experience since I was your first child.

Throughout my entire life, you have shown me what it means and what it takes to be a single mom. I have never seen a woman who knew how to do a mans job around the household and also be a mother to three children. You have taught me strength in so many ways. I have learned that sometimes being on your own for a while helps you grow as a woman. You taught me self-love. The way you taught me self-love is too never let your guard down just because a man left you or someone upset you. I have seen you cry, I have seen you laugh, I have seen you at your worst, I have seen you go in between jobs, I have seen you love, and most importantly I have seen you be the best mother anyone can be. And I am so thankful for that mom.

Starting my life in college has shown me independency away from needing you, mom all the time. College is gradually shaping me into the woman I admire to be someday. But, you, mom have made me the woman I am today. I sometimes think back on all the arguments we have encountered over the last few months, and I am thankful for those arguments. Some girls do not get the opportunity to fuss or even talk to their moms. I apologize for all the wrong I have done, but I am thankful to have someone who believes in the best of me.

Mom, you are the best version of yourself now. You have always been. You are strong, fearless, cranky, ambitious, and a great mom. I am forever thankful for our countless talks about losing weight, our arguments, our laughs, and our memories. I hope that I am a great mother like you someday.