Mom,

I don’t even know where to begin. From my days as a toddler to becoming a young adult, you have tended to me endlessly. I can never thank you enough for everything you have done and continue to do for my siblings and me.

Thank you for taking care of me through every sickness. Sacrificing your own health to improve mine. Driving three hours to college when I was as sick as can be. Talking to the doctor for me until I was old enough for you to set me on my own. But still telling me everything I need to say.

Thank you for always instilling confidence in me. Reading the words, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” from "The Little Engine That Could" at an early age. Telling me to never give up and that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me. Any time I have lost faith or run out of hope, you give me the reassurance to keep pushing forward.

Thank you for knowing exactly what to say on my worst days. On the days full of sass or the days full of being sad for no reason, you always know how to cheer me up. Sure, sometimes I might not always want to hear it but at the end of the day, I know you have my back.

Thank you for mending my broken hearts. As a teenager, I experienced my first heartbreak. You did everything you could to heal that. You made me realize my worth and know how I deserve to be treated in a relationship.

Thank you for always making sure I feel and look my best. Every junior high dance, every winter semi-formal, every prom and homecoming—you helped me feel beautiful. But not just physically, you also taught me my true beauty is on the inside.

Thank you for the numerous shopping trips even though we both know I really don’t need more clothes. Not to mention, last minute trips to buy clothes for special occasions.

Thank you for making me use my manners. I look around at people my age and realize there are many who do not know how to simply be polite. You taught me to always say please and thank you and to be considerate of those around me.

Thank you for teaching me how to be independent but still taking care of me. You taught me how to do laundry, clean the house, take care of pets, cook my favorite dishes, and so much more. But at the same time, you still find time to do a lot of it for me while I’m home, which I truly appreciate.

Thank you for being the person I can talk to about anything. Whenever I have a stressful day or just need to talk, you’re the person I call. I know this can stress you out in return, but you deal with it like a champ. And I appreciate that.

Thank you for giving me everything. You have sacrificed so much in order for me to live a great life. Words can never express my gratitude for that.

Thank you for being my best friend. You are my best friend and always have been. I am lucky to call you that, and I look forward to transitioning that friendship into my adult life.

As I get older, I realize more and more how much you have done and continue to do for me. These thank yous only name a few. Thanks, Mom.

With Love,

Your Daughter