Dear Mom,

1 day out of 365 days to honor and celebrate you as my biggest blessing isn't nearly enough. There is a never-ending amount of positive energy and happiness that you add to my life. I'm sure I could go on for days about all of the lessons you've taught me and the things that I could thank you for, but for now, here are just a few:

1. Thank you for always being present.

I have been alive for 7,441 days and you are the only person on the planet who I've had seen, called, and texted at least once every day. You have always been there for me. My first memories of you being a present mother were you being a "parking lot mom" in elementary school. You beat the traffic by waiting in the parking lot where I'd meet you instead of going through parent drop-off and parent pick-up. Seriously, thanks for never making me ride the bus. That's character building I'm thankful I didn't have.

When I had nightmares, you'd come sleep in my room. Even though your snoring usually kept me awake, I was never scared because I knew you were there. Fast forward a few years and you were still always there--cheering me on during softball games, taking pictures during volleyball matches, chauffeuring me to piano lessons and painting classes, listening to me drone on endlessly practicing speeches, and you even held a sheep or two.

Thanks for always being more than present and for always becoming passionate about my passions. Lastly, and probably one of my favorite things, thank you for (almost) always making us eat around the dinner table. Now that I'm in college, those family meals with you and dad are what I miss most.

2. Thank you for giving good advice.

It's taken me 20 years to realize it, but everything you ever said to me was exactly right. Remember that time we disagreed over that one boy? You nailed it. He was a jerk. And that time that I wasn't sure what to think of the actions of my so called friends? You even knew what to say then. You always knew what to say.

We've had so many talks--serious and joking--that impacted the way I will see the world for the rest of my life. You always told me it was your goal to give me the thick skin and a backbone that you never had. However, I want you to know that your softness is nothing to be ashamed of. Too many people these days try to remain tough, and they miss out on all that compassion you have. I know that I can come to you with anything and you will always be there with the right words to say.

3. Thank you for showing me it's okay to be goofy.

When you dance to the Fergie in the truck, I've probably honestly never been more embarrassed or more terrified of losing an eyeball. I've never seen someone use their arms so expressively when dancing. But still, thank you.

You're definitely the goofiest and most beloved mom out of all my friend groups ever. My friends idolize you, my boyfriend loves you, and even random kids from my elementary school classes even told me in high school that they missed you and remembered all of your cool crafts that you did with us.

You howl at the howler monkeys at the zoo (and I always pretend to not know you), you dance outrageously in the car, and you'll say just about anything if you think it needs to be said because, to me, you're fearless. You've never dulled or watered yourself down for anyone. You're always fiercely and unapologetically you.

P.S. I promise the next time we're at the zoo, I'll howl at the monkeys with you.

4. Thank you for being example of good love

All those #realtionshipgoals on Twitter and Instagram don't have anything on you and dad. When y'all send me selfies together when you're on dates or vacations, my heart swells with happiness. You and dad are the epitome of love. I've never seen two people who have been together so long still be in love the way you are.

There's so much crap on TV these days that brainwashes girls my age about what relationships should be like and the way you should be treated and how you should treat your partner. You and dad have always been so good to one another, which always filled our house with love. When dad gets up at 4 am, you wake up at 4 am too just to make him breakfast when you don't even have to get up until 7 am. Seriously, you and dad are goals.

5. Thank you for taking too many pictures.

Dad thought I was going to go blind, when I was a kid, I know. But I definitely wouldn't change the fact you always had a camera lens glued to your face. I have so many memories I can look back on now. I have the pictures of the talent show in elementary school, the horseback riding in middle school, and the dirty sheep shows in high school.

There are all of these moments I think I might have forgotten if you hadn't have been there to catalog them and make them special. And futuristically speaking, I'm positive my wedding photography will be excellent because of your expertise. Thanks in advance. You're the bomb.com

6. Thank you for working so hard.

This was going to be titled "thank you for all the food," but I thought I could lump it in with this to make it make more sense, and make me sound less food-oriented. Thank you for always working so hard. You don't have a glamorous job, and a lot of times you say you hate it, but you always do it and do it well. And then when you get home, you continue to work by making snacks and delicious homemade dinners, cleaning, and basically making sure the household runs smoothly. Your dinners are to-die-for. Taco night, spaghetti, burgers, sweet tea, mac and cheese, whatever it is, it tastes better when it's prepared by you.

Moreover, your hard work continues on weekend with yard work, or going to relatives' houses to help with whatever they need done. Your momma didn't raise no quitter. You've never been afraid of work; you have worked like a man and/or a dog my entire life without complaint. You (and dad) have worked so hard to build your lives and to give me opportunities I will be eternally grateful for.

7. Thank you for being my best friend.

Thank you for impacting me so much. You've invariably shaped who I am and who I will become. No matter where I go in life or how many people I meet, you'll always be my #1 because there will never come a day that a girl doesn't need her momma.