To the one person who undoubtedly always has my back:
I'm writing to you the sincerest of thank you's for being the one person I know I can always fall back on. The one who will always support me, be there to cheer me on, and bring me in for a hug when all else fails. Thank you for the unconditional love, advice, and understanding through it all. I'm writing to you, Mom, hoping to accurately capture how incredibly thankful I am to have such a strong role model in my life.
Thank you for supporting me.
I can't think of a single time in my life you haven't completely stood behind me. Sure, maybe you haven't always necessarily liked the decisions I have made, but I can honestly say there is nothing I had to go through alone. When I chose the school I fell in love with over the one with the impressive scholarship, you were proud of me for following my heart. When I called you crying over petty problems my freshman year, you would listen and offer your best advice. When I pretend to be embarrassed over how much you brag about me to others--and on Facebook of course--I really know it's you showing how much you care. Thank you for always being my cheerleader--whether it's on the sidelines of my childhood sports games, which I sucked at, or just through everyday life--you really are my biggest fan.
Thank you for teaching me it's okay to put myself first.
Of all the things I've learned from you, I think the most important message is that it's okay to be a little selfish. You've taught me the important of prioritizing my life: "You come first, then school, then family and friends, and everything else follows," you told me on move in day. On the nights when I feel on the verge of a mental collapse from the pressures of school work and extracurriculars, you have not once pushed me to do more. More often than not, you tell me to go to bed and take care of me. You've taught me that all the other little things in my life will never go the way I want if I'm not taking care of myself--and that means sometimes going to sleep rather than studying that extra hour. It means not letting other people take advantage of me, or treat me any less than I deserve. Thank you mom, for making me realize what I'm worth, and that I need to treat myself in a way that reflects that.
Thank you for teaching me to be strong and independent.
No words can describe the amount of respect and pure admiration I have for you. From when I was four and we lost daddy, I've been constantly exposed to the importance of being a strong woman. You've taught me I don't need to waste my time with dumb boys, when I could easily be doing fine on my own. You have shown me I don't need the support of a significant other when I can stand on my own. You basically proved to be superhuman by raising four children completely on your own, and I look up to you so much for that. I miss daddy everyday, but I'm grateful that I have such a strong female influence in my life that I feel like I'm not missing out on some sort of family dynamic. Thank you for showing me what it means to be self-sufficient, and always being the greatest example.
I wouldn't be the person I am today without your influence. I know I don't say it enough, but thank you for all you do mom. While I'm at school, know I'm missing you, and using the things you've taught me each day. I am forever grateful to have a mom who is the perfect mix of a role model and a friend, and there's no one else I would want to be told I'm growing up to be just like.
With Love,
Your little girl
