Dear Mom,

Ever since I was a little girl, your hard work has always inspired me to put effort into everything I do. I grew up watching you come home from work just to go straight to the kitchen without any rests or breaks. I never understood how you had so much energy after those long, tiring days. To me, you were like a superhero, especially since you always managed to make time for me as well. It was a very childlike perspective at the time, but I still look back at it fondly.

As I began to grow up, I started to understand your feelings more than your responsibilities. You never went to bed without finishing everything you had to do, but I began to notice the dark circles, the slower replies, the look you would get in your eyes when you felt too tired for any amount of sleep to fix. I began to respect you a lot more seeing how you balanced responsibilities at the office and at home.

You were the reason I began to realize how much harder a girl has to work for most of her life than boys do. You raised me to fight to get what I deserve even though I was a shy, timid baby who barely spoke a word. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be the woman I am today without you.

But when my teenage years came along, the rough patches started. I guess it's just a phase everyone goes through. I wanted to be like other people my age and go out and have fun, but you were trying to keep me on track all the time. I realize now that I was really lucky to have a mother who was so concerned about my future. We both experienced a lot of pain at the time, but without it, I don't think we'd be where we are today. You have always looked out for me in the ways you knew how to and no matter what I do or say, I could never fully repay you for the love you've shown me.

As I continue to get older, I'm sure my appreciation for you will just continue to increase. But we've come a long way in our relationship from a few years ago, and I had some things I wanted to say to you.

Thank you for always having my back.

Thank you for pulling me back up every time I've fallen.

Thank you for always looking out from me and protecting me.

Thank you for guiding me in the right direction.

Thank you for always thinking about me, my future, and my happiness.

Thank you for the thousands of little sacrifices you make for my success.

Thank you for teaching me what was right and wrong.

Thank you for building me into the woman I am today.

I know I don't say it as much as I should, but I love you. They say a mother's love is unconditional, and I am beyond blessed to have a mother who has proved this to be true countless times. Thank you for loving me through the good and bad. Even if we don't see eye to eye all the time, knowing that you will always support me through everything makes me feel like I can go out and conquer the whole world. I hope that one day, I will not just be able to say thank you, but to show it. I love you.