As I have taken the first steps into my last year of college, I have found myself thinking recently about how I got here and all the people who have helped me to do so. While there have been many people who have supported me along the way, my mother has inspired me like no other, and despite her ambition and success in her own career, she has continued to be my rock and my role model, ensuring my own successes and achievements.

Since I was a young kid, I remember getting dressed for school early in the morning, then watching my mom look puzzled in her own closet, deciding between blue and black pantsuits, and different colors of button-up blouses. I used to enjoy sitting in her dressing area every morning, helping her pick out her kick-ass pantsuit of the day that would help her (in my mind at least) fight for the best outcome for her clients. Then, we would both eat a big bowl of whatever cereal we were craving, and part ways, me for the school bus, and her for her office, the courthouse, or wherever else her work took her.

I would not see her again until much later in the day. I'd call her when I got home from school then I'd go off to do my homework or whatever else I had to do. Between 5 and 7 o'clock, I'd hear the lock on the front door turning, and I'd sprint to the front of the house, with my dog running happily behind me. This meant that mom was home!

There was no doubt in my mind that she was exhausted after a long day of work, yet I couldn't help but follow her from the front door, around the house, to her room, even though she was obviously way too beat to have me and my sister talk her ears off (as we often tend to do), and she seldom protested.

This was how almost every day of my school-age years went. Some days were calmer and more relaxed, and others were busy. Some nights we'd all relax and watch something on TV, other nights we'd stay up building dioramas or other projects due in school (mom if you're reading this the Spoonbill bird we built with Cam was by far some of your best work!!).

The point being, that no matter how tough her day was, she was always there to listen, to help, and to take care of whatever else I needed. And even though I'm grown up (kind of) and not living at home anymore, she is still just a phone call away, to hear about my classes, to comfort me while I cry my eyes out over a boy or just good old fashioned stress, and to be my #1 fan.

Mom, thank you for being there for everything you could, despite how busy you were and are. Thank you for always pushing me to do better than my best, and for inspiring me every day by being the empowered woman you are, I love you!