On the day I was born, I became the luckiest person to ever exist. I was born with you as my mother. I did not know it then, but you would become the most important person to me, my best friend. When I was younger, we butt heads A LOT, we fought all the time, and I thought you were only out to make my life miserable, and I could not have been more wrong. Because of you, I have become a better and stronger woman, who can only hope to be half the woman you are. You have been the best role model and I am glad I have had you to watch and learn from. You have so much love in your heart and soul. You are beautiful inside and out. You are who I look up too. I love you so much. So here is a thank you, because I do not say it enough.

Thank you for never giving up on me, even though at times, it would have been easier. So thank you for not taking the easy way out.

Thank you for not leaving me when it seemed everyone else had. On my worst days, you were right there with an open ear and shoulder to cry on. You have never left.

Thank you for being strong for me when I was weak. You were strong for not only you, but for me too. You are the strongest woman I know.

Thank you for pushing me past my limits. You know what I am capable of and always push me past that, only making me better. I am who I am today because of you.

Thank you for being my biggest fan. Seeing you in the crowd makes me feel instantly stronger and less nervous. I know I am an insanely busy person, and you are no less busy, so thank you for giving me your time even if you don’t have it.

Thank you for putting me first. It’s nice to come first to someone. Thank you for showing me I am important.

Thank you for never judging me. You may not agree with my choices, but you never judge.

Thank you for the years of advice. It may not have seemed like I was listening at the time, but I was. I have learned so much from you.

Thank you for the fights. They only made our relationship stronger. The yelling, the slammed doors, the crying and silent treatments have gotten us to how we are today.

Thank you for believing in me. When I can’t believe in myself, you are there to lift me up.

Thank you for feeding me, because we all know I probably would be living off of mac and cheese and pizza if it wasn’t for you.

Thank you for being proud of me. All I want is to make you proud.

Thank you for never making me feel like a failure.

Thank you for the late night calls and conversations.

Thank you for putting me in my place, because we both know sometimes I need it.

Thank you for reminding me to stay humble.

Thank you for teaching me manners, because this is something the world needs more of these days.

Thank you for last minute emergency help, like when I forget stuff at home and need it ASAP.

Thank you for teaching me inner beauty is more important than external beauty.

Thank you for teaching me that I am beautiful and to love myself.

Thank you for teaching me that God gives his hardest battles to his strongest warriors.

Thank you for giving me all that I have. You don’t have to, but you put my happiness, wants, and needs before your own.

Thank you for reminding me not to take things too serious.

Thank you for telling me he isn’t worth it. That they aren’t worth it. That I don’t need to stress about the little things.

Thank you for your constant forgiveness, because let’s be honest, I mess up a lot. So thank you for all the second chances.

Thank you for all the hot tea and cuddles and just letting my cry.

Thank you for watching all my favorite movies with me. Even though you have seen The Notebook a bazillion times, you still let me pick to watch it and understand my love for it. Thank you for watching all the Bring it On movies with me and not complaining.

Thank you for allowing me to chase any crazy dream or idea I have. I know they may not always work out, but you support me either way.

Thank you for loving me, because not everyone is lucky to have a mom like you.

Thank you for teaching me that being myself is the best self I can be.

Thank you for holding my hand when I just need some company.

Thank you for just sitting in silence with me when that's all I need.

Thank you for handling my attitude and sass, because sometimes I can't even handle it myself. And yes, I got it from you. So, thanks for that.

Thank you for your honesty, no matter how brutal it may be.

Thank you for "getting me." Even if I don't say something, you understand. You know my moods, probably better than myself.

Thank you for understanding that I change my mind so much and just going with it. I keep you on your toes and you never have a problem with it.

Thank you for just rolling with it. You handle anything I throw at you and it never phases you.

Thank you for all that you have taught me and for all that you will teach me.

Thank you for being my best friend.

Thank you for reminding me how special I truly am when I'm feeling ordinary.

Thank you for teaching me to never give up. Not only to not give up on my dreams, but myself.

Thank you for being my wonderwoman. Actually, I think you are better than her.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being the best mom I could ask for. I know I have not made it easy, and you probably never thought some of the things that have happened would, but you took the problems head on and showed me unconditional love. Even if I thought I lost everyone, I would still have you. I know I always have a home. Thank you for your open arms and open mind. Thank you for all the warm hugs and too tight hugs that were just right. Thank you for never letting go. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong, and staying by my side as I still learn. Thank you for holding my hand through this crazy thing called life. I know I could never say it enough, but thank you. I love you. I only hope to someday be half the mother you are. I hope I grow to have as much grace, intelligence, understanding, and love as you do. I am so lucky to have you as my mother, because not everyone is this lucky. Thank you for showing me how much you love me every single day. I love you to the moon and back infinity times plus one.