"I've got her spirit, and she's always got my back. When I look at her, I think, I wanna be just like that."

Dear Mama,

Where can I even begin? You are the single most important person in my life, and you will always hold the most special place in my heart - no matter what. And how could you not? You brought me into this world, and that is the greatest gift that anyone could ever give. You might be able to pay my college tuition ten times over if you had a dollar for every time that I rolled my eyes, sucked my teeth or gave you an attitude, but I want you to know that even then, I appreciate you more than anything. You have sacrificed so much to give me everything that I need, and these words couldn't even begin to describe everything I love about you, but I'm gonna give it a shot. Here are some of the things that I'd like to thank you for:

Thank You For The Lessons

Ever since I was old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong, it was a concept that you always made sure I understood. You taught me that it was wrong to take things that didn't belong to me. You taught me to treat people the way that I would like to be treated - even when I wasn't offered that same kindness. As a matter of fact, especially then. You taught me that it is better to be seen than it is to be heard. You taught me to pick my battles, and that not everything has to be an argument. You taught me that in life, I have to do the things that I need to do in order to be able to do the things that I want to do; I didn't know when I was 12 years old, rolling my eyes to the back of my head just how true this would prove to be. You taught me to have respect for people, even when they are wrong and especially when they don't deserve it. You taught me to be the bigger person, and that the way I act in situations is building my character whether I realize it or not. You taught me to watch who I surround myself with, for these people will ultimately be a reflection of me. You taught me that there is a time and a place for everything. You taught me to say please and thank you. You taught me a lot about the importance of accountability. You taught me that in life, you need to work for things and that they are not just handed to you. I bet you thought I wasn't listening, didn't you? Well I was, and I am more than grateful because these lessons and more are ones that I take with me in every situation I am faced with, and that is all accredited to you.

Thank You For Loving Me Unconditionally

A mother's undying, unwavering and unconditional love is one of the most important things a mother can give, and you've done it more than perfectly. After every broken picture frame, every bad report card, every messy room, every time I messed up, every time I disappointed you - there was never a time that your love failed me. Ma, I know that I am far from the perfect daughter by a long shot, but you have always loved me as if I were, and that is one thing I'll never forget.

Thank You For Making Me Laugh

Whether I received some bad news, was in a bad mood or was just feeling sassy that day, you'be always known just which joke to crack to make the corners of my mouth turn upward, whether I want them to or not. Thank you for showing me that things are never as bad as they seem, and that I can always get through a rough patch, no matter what.

Thank You For Teaching Me To Be Myself

One thing that you have always preached to me is the notion "don't be a follower, but be a leader" and I am honestly so glad you did. You have always taught me the importance of being my own person and to never let anyone try to change me or talk me into doing something that I didn't want to. You taught mw to use my brain, and to make the right decisions for me - not for anyone else. Believe it or not, this notion has really helped me find my sense of self. I know who I am, what I want, and what I deserve and I'll be damned If I let anyone try to belittle or change me. What can I say? I got it from my mama!

Thank You For Always Providing

No matter what I need, you always get it for me. Notice how I used the word need. Oh yeah, that's another great lesson you taught me - there is a huge difference between the things we want and the things we need. Thank you for buying my textbooks when I couldn't afford it. Thank you for taking me to the doctor when I was convinced I was dying, only to find out it was only a cold (just like you said).Thank you for taking me shopping when I needed a prom dress. Thank you for taking me out to lunch, or for always saying yes when I ask you to send me that extra $20 when I'm running low that week. I know I hold the world record for only saying thank you after the fact, but I really do appreciate you always going the extra mile for me - you're the greatest.

Thank You For Being My #1 Fan

You have truly been the best support system I could ever ask for. Whether it's a cheer practice, a softball game, a graduation ceremony, or a simple pick-me-up when I'm not feeling too confident in myself, you always push me to have faith and to be the best possible version of myself. You might be hard on me sometimes, but I know that it's because you only want what's best for me. Thank you for supporting me in all of my decisions, whether you agree with them or not. Thank you for teaching me that I can do anything if I strive and work hard enough towards my goals, and for being living, breathing proof of that - I will forever admire you for it.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that you are my rock, my and my Superwoman and my safe haven and I don't know what I would ever do without you. No matter how old I get, I will never forget that you gave me the greatest gift 21 years ago, and I will be eternally grateful for that. It will never be enough to just say thank you, and as far as I'm concerned, every day should be a birthday or a mother's day for you because you are truly the best out there. I love you today and every day, and that is something that can I promise will stay forever constant