Where do I even begin? You have been there since day one (literally, because you had no choice). You were always there to feed me, dress me, and even pick up my mashed potatoes off the floor for the third time. You have always shown me love, even through the discipline I so dreaded, but so dearly needed. You have always seemed to understand without me having to say even one word (though it rarely stopped at one word). You have always been the one I knew I could come to even when all my friends were leaving. You are my real life superhero. You are my Wonder Woman. You are my Mom.

Since I was little I always knew my mom was supposed to do "mom things" like packing my lunch, take me back-to-school shopping, and even get mad when I shoved sand down my little brother's diaper. But as I've grown up, I've realized what "mom things" really are and just how important they are in life. Now that I'm in my 20's, my definition of "mom things" has changed. I no longer need someone to pack my lunch, I need someone to pay for it (because poor college kid problems). I no longer need someone to take me back-to-school shopping, I need ... And I no longer need someone to get mad when I do mean things to my little brother because now he isn't so little and can take me any day. But most importantly, the "mom thing" I need and value the greatest is a best friend.

I remember thinking I didn't know how kids were so close to their parents or how they told their moms "everything." Even through middle school and most of high school I still didn't understand. But then one day I realized, the one person who was there through EVERYTHING, was YOU. You never gave up on me like some of my friends did. You were always willing to listen to me rant, even when my friends didn't want to hear it. You also always gave, and still give, the best advice for any situation I come across. I know that no matter what I am going through, you will know just what to say. Now that I am in college, I can't imagine not talking to you about the things going on in my life. There are days where I don't even want to talk to the amazing friends God gave me because I just want to talk to the amazing mom He gave me.

After saying all this, I guess I should at least say thank you. Thank you for listening, laughing, crying, screaming, singing, caring, and most importantly loving. Probably one of the hardest goodbyes moving out was you because I knew that I was leaving not only my mom but my best friend. I wasn't going to get to see you every day or to get your much needed hug after a rough day. But I can honestly say that because of you, I've been able to start this adult journey. Yes, it has been extremely hard and confusing, but I've had my mom by my side (metaphorically of course). I truly feel like I will never be able to repay you for all that you have done and are doing for me. You deserve the world and so so much more. Even though I will never be able to give you that, I only hope that I can start to show you a small portion of my gratitude and love for you every day and moment I have with you. My prayer is that when I have kids of my own, I can be even half of the mom you are.

I love you, best friend (aka Mom).