My mom has taught me a lot of things in my life. The fork goes on the left, always get your flu shot, never forget a toothbrush, and always thank the host. If my head wasn't attached to my body, she would be the one that would keep it on for me. Like most moms, she is my rock, and the rock of our family. She is the peanut butter to our jelly, the cream in the Oreo, the cool lemonade on a hot day. She truly is the biggest, baddest wrecking ball the world has ever seen, and for that, I am forever grateful. She has taught me many tangible things, but it is the intangibles that have resonated the most in my life.

1. My sarcasm -- The reason my mom and I butt heads is because we can both dish it, but can’t get it served, which is a blessing and a curse. My sarcasm derives from my mom's sharp sense of humor, and I love it. Sometimes it bites me in the butt and I end up sticking my foot in my mouth, but I believe that my mom’s sarcasm and wittiness have made me a quick-thinking, funny, and clever person, whether that is for the better or worse. We both love to be the ones to add a funny little remark to piss someone off. It's not malicious, just good clean fun.
   
2. My strength -- Yes, you could say my mom made me physically strong as she never believed in my injuries in sports and made me fight through them, but my mother made me into the toughest person. She is a badass; she puts up with no bullshit from anyone, and for that I am so grateful. She stands up for whatever she thinks is right and just, and will go down swinging if it means she is fighting. She is so strong-willed in her convictions that I am always watching in awe as she will fight someone tooth-and-nail for something so little. I strive to follow in her footsteps and never let anyone step in my way.
   
3. My inability to quit -- I see my mom work day and night. She works two jobs: being a mom and her other job. She works from home and in an office. She talks about her stresses at work and the things she has to do around the house, but I never see her quit. She is always hustling. Food always gets cooked. Her boss is always happy. I am always picked up from practice. She is a work horse; she doesn’t stop. Ever. And she expects the exact same from me, and that is what I give her.
   
4. My strong sense of family -- I think my mom got that from her mom, because that’s not something you develop on your own; you are taught it. My mom makes it clear that blood is thicker than water: Family conquers all. No matter what happens at the end of the day, she makes it known that family will always be there. She bends over backward for us, knowing we will do the same.
   
5. My genuine love for everything -- My mom is the type of person that falls in love with everything and anything. She starts something and develops this passion for it. She meets someone and falls in love with them and loves everything and everyone endlessly. The love she has for me, my sister, my dad, and mostly, my dog, is something that I haven’t totally inherited, because I cannot fully comprehend it yet, but something I am in the process of developing. My genuine love for everything comes from my mom, as she is the most caring and passionate person I have ever known. My mom’s love for life is the most amazing quality she has.