(By the time you have read this ... I can confidently say we have either just talked, texted, or we are in the same area physically.)

Hey there.

We are far from the "perfect" mother and daughter relationship. With that being said, if we didn't argue and disagree like we do; we wouldn't be us. Even though we don't have the best relationship, we have come a long ways together despite what each of us has put one another through.

Honestly, there was a point and time in my life where I said to myself "I don't need my mom, I can make it through life without her." While I know that sounds brutal, and in no way is it my intention to hurt your feelings - it is how I once thought. But a wise person once told me, "No matter what happens between you two, no matter what horrible thing she has done to you, or what horrible thing you have done to her at the end of the day... Despite everything, she's still your mother and you are still her daughter. You are going to need her so much at some point in your life, and you are going to regret ever treating her the way you did." Even after they told me that, I just brushed it off my shoulder. I told myself I would make it without you.

Now I know different. I know better now. The saying that many, (you included),have told me about "You'll understand when you are older." Well now that I'm older and I understand a lot more ... I get how important of a role you have played in me growing up. While I don't understand everything quite yet, (so please bear with me, I'm still trying to understand), I know that I wouldn't last a single day without you. Whether it's me calling you and telling you that I'm lost again and need help finding my way back, or calling you and putting you in a panic while I once told you, "I just hit a deer." , to just calling you and seeing how you are. While I have by no means mastered your wish of me learning how to cook, I do know we have come a long way.

I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you all the countless weekends of traveling different places when I played club volleyball. Thank you for always dealing with my morning attitudes. Thank you for giving me some freedom. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for waking me up in the mornings. Thank you for all the times you let me sit in the chair while you settled for the couch. Thank you for making me just a little bit spoiled. Thank you for the attitude I do have (just remember, I did get it from you). Thank you for the everyday things you do for me whether I notice them or not.

Looking back to when I was younger, I still don't see how we made it month to month, and you managed to get me all the things I needed. And at times, the things I wanted too. You have shown me what it is like to be a strong independent woman. You have never depended on anyone for anything. For that, I'm grateful. I only hope to become half the woman you are. I know I don't say it and probably don't show it enough either, but I am so thankful for you in every way, and I appreciate everything you do for me. So with that being said, thank you, mom! I wouldn't have wanted to have anyone else as my mother. I love you unconditionally.

Signed,

Your one and only baby girl