Hey, Mom.
First thing's first: you're the realest. Sorry for that Iggy Azalea reference, but you are actually the best. Ever. I don't know what in the world I did to deserve a mom like you. In case you may wonder why (of course you do, you're the most humble person I know), here are just a few reasons:
1. You are the definition of patience.
2. You are a constant flow of encouragement.
3. You always believe in me.
4. You literally brought me into this world.
5. You genuinely care about what's going on in my life.
6. You know exactly how to make my bad days better.
7. You know exactly how to make my good days great.
8. You put up with me (and we all know that's not an easy task).
9. You still loved me during my awkward stage.
10. You always know how to make me laugh.
11. You helped me get through all of the sticky situations I got myself into (and Lord knows there were plenty).
12. You taught me to love food more than most things.
13. You put me in my place when I started getting an attitude.
14. You taught me the power of forgiveness.
15. You drove me around for 16 years without complaining.
16. You lead by example.
17. You taught me how to do my own laundry.
18. You put being a wife and a mother first in your life.
19. You set everything else aside when I need you.
20. You saved every preschool/elementary school craft I ever made for you.
21. You forgave me for all of the times I forgot to call you to say I was safe and sound.
22. You don't tell me to shut up when I complain about petty, little things.
23. You do things for me out of selflessness, not so you can gain anything from it.
24. You always tell me I'm beautiful and/or good enough, contrary to what society and the media says.
25. You drove all the way from home to bring me my school lunch every time I'd forget it.
26. You never belittle me.
27. You've always made me feel like any goal is attainable.
28. You've made countless sacrifices for our family.
29. You're always down to sing 80's music with me.
30. You taught me how to properly love other people.
31. You always give me the benefit of the doubt.
32. You snap me out of it when I get in my moods.
33. You keep all of your friends updated on my life.
34. You never made one of your kids feel more loved than another (with you, there is no competition).
35. You sat through every bad cartoon movie I wanted to see (i.e. the Power Puff Girls movie).
36. You know exactly how to mediate any fight between the rest of the family.
37. You're my emotional bodyguard and defensive lineman.
38. You instilled so many important life lessons in me, the most important of which is to always bring a jacket "just in case."
39. You taught me how to properly respect people.
40. You taught me how to properly respect myself.
41. You are more than just a mom – you're my friend.
42. You give meaning to the word "home."
43. You taught me the value of a relationship with the Lord.
44. You are the best example of what a wife and a mother should be.
45. You raised me to be the person I am today.
You know that phrase, "You're turning into your mother," that used to make me roll my eyes? Yeah, I take that as a compliment now. I can't believe I ever rolled my eyes at that. If I end up anything like you in the future, I'll be one lucky gal.
