Dear Mama,

There are no words to express how loved you are. Dad and I are so incredibly lucky to have you in our lives, and there are countless other people who adore you. Please never forget this. There was a time in my life when I was rebellious and didn't tell you that I love you enough, and for that I am sorry. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. I am so lucky to get to call you my mom.

You're my best friend. When you told me I had to call every day from the dorms freshman year I was annoyed, but as it turns out, I like to call you multiple times a day for no reason. I like hearing about your day, your coworkers, what you're making for dinner and I love that I can come to you with all my stupid questions about how to be an adult. You never cease to make me laugh and I am so thankful for our inside jokes and silly antics. You're the best.

Life isn't always easy; I am so proud of you for sticking up for yourself when there's nothing more to do. I am so honored to be the daughter of a woman who exemplifies self respect and honor in every situation. You are the best example of perseverance. I hope I can handle rough patches in life with as much grace and dignity as you do.

Thanks for never giving up on me. Thanks for always believing in me, and for encouraging me to do the best I can. Thanks for supporting me when I switched my major, and when I chose to leave a job that made me unhappy. You are the reason I am confident in who I am: it's because you've always believed in me. I am sorry for all those rebellious years when I didn't agree with the punishments that you rolled out. I must have been a nightmare. Bless you for dealing with me.

Thanks for dreaming with me. Thank you for daring to believe that I can do great things. Thank you for showing me what it means to work hard and achieve something. Thanks for always making sure that I know how to pursue my dreams. You never gave up on sending me to college and here I am. Thanks for pinning dream houses with me in Pinterest (and wedding dresses!). You are my favorite person to dream with. I know that one day I will get to see my dreams come true, and it's all thanks to you dreaming along side me.

Mom, I hate seeing you down in the dumps. I just want you to know that you are loved and appreciated: I want to scream it from the rooftops! You're the best mom I could have ever asked for. You are the most amazing example of kindness, unconditional love, compassion and spunk. I love you so much mama, never forget it.

All my love,

Your mini me AKA your daughter