Dear Mom,

Let me just start off by saying thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for everything that you and Dad have done for me and my siblings over the years.

If it was not for you, I would not be where I am today, at Tulane, living out my college dream. You believed in me when almost no one else, including myself, did. There were countless times that I failed, and thought that there was no way that I could get up and carry on, but you were always there to cheer me on. Whether it had been at my sporting events in middle school, all of the practices that you had to drive me to and pick me up from, or convincing me that even if I did do poorly on one exam, it really was not the end of the world. Your constant support of me and my dreams helped me realize that I can achieve anything that I set my mind to.

I remember that one time in middle school I had to write about my hero for religion class. I distinctly remember choosing you. You gave up so many dreams and opportunities that came your way over the years, and instead chose to be married and raise a family of five. I know that it cannot be easy dealing with all of us all of the time, but somehow you do without going completely crazy (a skill that I can only hope to master in the years to come). I am also convinced that a good majority of my friends are friends with me because of you.

My whole life, people have always told me that I remind them of you. Whenever they do, I can only beam with pride. If I can be half of the woman that you are, I will be so grateful. You have a faith that could move mountains, and it is because of that, that I am so inspired to keep trying to grow mine. You are my hero, and my best friend wrapped into one person.

Thank you for always being there for me when I just needed to vent to someone; and thank you for being the shoulder for me to cry on when that venting did not work. Thank you for always trying to provide answers to my problems, no matter how many times I really did not want to hear them. Thank you for giving me your unique taste in movies and books, and always being willing to just curl up with me on a Friday night and watch those movies. Thank you for seeing past all of my brokenness and walls that I put up and loving me for me. Thank you for always being on the other end of the line every time I call, which should be a lot more often than I do.

Most of all, thank you for giving me both roots and wings. The hardest thing in the world right now is being away from home and not having my best friend to hug every night. But I know that no matter how hard it is for me, it has to be tougher for you; yet you are still on the other end of the phone, convincing me that I can and should do this because this is my dream.

Your selflessness and love will never go unnoticed, and even though I do not say it nearly enough, I am so so thankful that God decided to bless me with the best mom that there is.

I love you more,

Your grateful daughter.