To the most amazing, thoughtful, brilliant, and beautiful mother,

I don't even know where to begin. Through all the good and the crazy that I have caused over the last eighteen years of my life; thank you for loving me endlessly. Your undying support for me as I made some of the most ridiculous and horrific decisions ever has shown me that it is okay to make mistakes. The fact that I know you will always be proud of me and be there for me makes it that much easier to accept failure. You have taught me so many things, both good and bad, that I don't even think a 500 page book would cover even half the things I am thankful for.

Thank you for showing me the world of fashion and how to dress. I don't think I have ever met a more stylish mother. Though I don't love how you enjoy wearing my clothing, I let it slide because I know later down the line I will be able to ransack your even better wardrobe.

Thank you for letting me go through all the necessary teenage phases without giving your input. I still can't decide if you letting me cover my face in orange makeup and my eyelids in black eyeshadow all through 8th grade was you trying to help me form my own identity or embarrass me. However, none the less I still love you the same.

Thank you for always giving me the best advice when it came to friends and boys. Though at first I was hesitant to come to you, I have learned over the last several years that despite the age gap you still have the best and most current advice when it comes to dealing with guys.

Thank you for being my personal photographer and giving me the perfect advice on which pictures to Instagram or post on Facebook. Your advice is honestly the only one that matters to me.

Thank you for constantly reminding me about how important it is to have good grades. Though throughout middle school our constant battles over homework were never fun, in the long run you taught me how to be a hard working student.

Thank you for practically forcing me to be on a swim team and stick with the sport. You showed me the importance of dedication and the benefits that come with developing an important skill to the fullest of my potential.

Most importantly, I want to thank you for being my role model. I have never been more proud to call anyone my best friend. Your strength in times of hardship makes me want to be a stronger and better person. Your compassion towards those who have wronged you is something unlike I have ever seen. Your level headedness in times of crisis is something I both admire and envy. Your smile brightens my day and any room you walk into. I am so eternally proud to call you my mother.

You have been my rock for the past 18 years. Not having you by my side these past few months has probably been the hardest thing I have ever done. As much as I know you are only a phone call away, it is not the same as having you three steps down the hall. I am constantly reminding myself to make you proud with everything that I do. You have been and always will be the strongest person I have ever met. I don't think there is a single better role model out there for me. Thank you for loving me and being my best friend forever.

Love,

The Rory to your Lorelai,

Jordan