Mom,

I really don't ever think I could thank you enough for all you have ever done for me. From bringing me into this world, to always letting me know that you could take me out. You have always been there and I will forever be thankful for that. I really don't think I could put into words just how much you mean to me, but here is a start.

Thank you for the endless phones calls. Even if I seem annoyed, it means so much to know you care. While at times, they are in fact annoying, I appreciate them a few hours later.

Thank you for reminding me to believe in the magic. You always enjoyed when everyone brought out their inner kid and that's what makes life so fun. I love every second of it.

Thank you for those late night calls. I so love that I can pick up the phone and call you, bawling my eyes out because I didn't do good on a test, and have you answer. I know I am not the easiest to talk to on the phone, I just simply am thankful for your listening ears.

Thank you for giving me your stubbornness. While most wouldn't be thankful for their bad traits, I am glad that you gave me (all) of yours. It makes me who I am.

Since we're on the subject, thank you for somehow giving me every single trait you have. I am most definitely a spitting image of you, inside and out. This becomes an issue when disagreements occur because I am always right (even if you think you are), but I wouldn't want to be anyone else's carbon copy.

Thank you for not sheltering me. If there is one thing that you did, it was to teach me that life is not always perfect. You were very quick to say that this world does not revolve around me. You did not let me view others as beneath me and you wanted me to be exposed to the outside world so I knew how to handle it.

Thank you for being a cheer mom. I should say "sorry you had to be a cheer a mom," but I guess it was a blessing somewhere in the craziness.

Thank you for supporting every dream. Whether it was a pageant, cheerleading, or wanting to play tennis, you cheered me on at it all.

Thank you for not being afraid to tell me that I am NOT the best. This is probably my most favorite trait of yours. From looking at younger kids now, I am so thankful that I had a mom that told me where to shove it. You let me know that there will always be someone prettier, smarter, funnier, and sweeter. This is the trait that I hope my daughter one day understands so soon. You did it so well that I pray I can teach my daughter just as you did.

Thank you for giving more than you receive. This is the trait I hope my kids say about me. You are so selfless and giving, even when we (the fam) does not give to you in return. You put us all before yourself, including our happiness. You do not even hesitate to sacrifice for us even if that means not getting exactly what you want.

Thank you for showing me how to be a working mom. While you did not have to work, you showed me just how much of a super mom you are by doing it. You showed me how important it is to be independent and chase my dreams. You allowed me to grow up watching just how great it is to be rewarded for hard work. You are my wonder-woman.

Thank you for telling me no. For saying "no" you can't wear that, it is too revealing. "No" you cannot go to that party, I don't care who's house it is. For saying, "no" I don't care who is going to be there, I am not her/his momma. Or my favorite, "if they jumped off a cliff, would you go too?" 😀

Last but not least, Thank you for your unconditional love. There are no words to say that describe how much I love you, mom. Between every spanking and every pop to the mouth, I always walked away knowing you did it to better me as a person. You didn't want me as your best friend, you wanted to parent me. You taught me how to lead instead of how to follow. That is the biggest blessing I could ask for. I pray one day that I am at least half the mom you are to me. Thank you for being you. You truly rock my world.

Love,

Your #1 fan <3