Dear Mom,

18 years ago, you were given the most important and the hardest task: You became responsible for another human life. For the last 18 years, you have done beyond a remarkable job. So, it seems only right to thank you for the innumerable amount of things you have done.

Thank you for being the greatest mother and doing it on your own. I know that could not have been easy, but for 18 years, and for the rest of my life, you are my mother, my father, and my best friend.

Thank you for showing me how incredibly important it is to be independent. That you don't need anyone else to validate your existence. That you don't need anyone else to be incredible, because we already are incredible.

Thank you for being my absolute biggest fan, on the volleyball court and off. For always believing in me and pushing me to do my best and never allowing me to give up.

Thank you for supporting me, 3,000 miles away from home. For endlessly working to help my dreams come true. Thank you for letting me pursue my life; I would never have been able to feel so empowered and accomplished without you.

You inspire me every single day, and I could never thank you enough.

Miss you endlessly.

Love always,