First of all, thank you.

Thank you for sacrificing your time, heart and sanity for me. Thank you for putting me first when there was no one else who would. For supporting me in my every endeavor, from our silly musicals in elementary school to my super special winter concert where I sang a solo in front of hundreds of people. Thank you for coming to my band concerts, for getting excited with me when I was acknowledged and for showing me that I can make the best out of every situation.

Thank you for always having my back. Thank you for holding my hand when I cried on the first day of first grade because I was nervous, for letting me put on black eyeliner in middle school and for holding me tight when boys were stupid. Thank you for understanding me in a way that no one else can. Somehow you know exactly what I’m thinking, and I’m thankful for all the times that you knew something was wrong with me when I insisted I was okay (even if it was annoying at the time).

Thank you for always doing your best to make me happy. I know how much you’ve sacrificed for my happiness and I don’t think I’ll ever come close to repaying you. Thank you, mom, for showing me that it’s okay to be myself; silly, confident and packed to the brim with the weirdest sense of humor. Thank you for making up goofy songs with me, and for all the times we got to dance like crazy to Bon Jovi in the kitchen before dinner.

Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for never letting me quit when I got discouraged and for showing me a different view of every situation. Thank you for being exactly like me. Thank you for raising me to be half as amazing as you are. It’s hard to find someone who understands why you think the way you do, or why you’re upset about something that doesn’t seem like a big deal. Thank you for always taking the time to see my point of view.

Thank you for never being upset that I stayed up for a hug when you worked the late shift. Thank you for keeping all of the artwork I brought home to you and for letting me leave you letters on your side of the bed. Thank you for all the nights we got to read before bedtime, and for always making time to hear about my day at school.

Thank you for crying, mom, when I moved out of the house freshman year and into this crazy new world of college. It’s hard to be away from my best friend and the only person who truly knows how I tick. Thank you for helping me form myself into the best version that I can be.

Thanking you in words is truly the best that I can do, but thank you isn’t even enough for all the wonderful gifts, privileges, and opportunities you have brought into my life.

Thank you for being you.