To the woman I'm so blessed to call "Mom,"

Remember when I was little and I told you I hated you? Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong. You are my best friend. I see you more in myself every day. I have your sense of humor, your love for people and your big heart. I'm so blessed to be your daughter.

Thank you for letting me cry on your shoulder and for always being there with arms open wide. Thank you for putting me before yourself. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong. Thank you for being my biggest supporter -- for being at every sporting and school event I ever had. Thank you for scolding and grounding me when I needed it (even if I tweeted after that you were the biggest pain in my butt).

I could write an entire novel on how thankful for you I am and about all of the things you've done for me. I know it wasn't the easiest to raise me, and I'm sure you wanted to pull your hair out at times. But you and dad did the best you could have done, and I think I turned out alright. You have the biggest heart out of anyone I know — you're there for everyone, even when you have a million other things you could be doing.

I love how goofy and funny we can be together. I love how we can jam out to old songs and blast them in the car. I love how you text me every day just to check in and see how I'm doing. I love how much you love me. And most importantly, I love you, too.

I'm sorry for all the times we fought. Looking back I know those were moments we could have spent laughing together and enjoying each other's company. I'm sorry for all the times you lost your trust in me because I did something ignorant. I'm sorry for all the times I scared you to death simply because I didn't text you, "I'm here."

But hearing you say you're proud of me brings happy tears to my eyes. I know that sometimes I disappointed you, but knowing at the end of the day you're proud of me makes me the happiest daughter in the world.

You and Dad are the most important people in my life. I cannot wait to see what the future holds and all the memories we are going to make. Even though I'm scared to be growing up and graduating from college in less than two years, I'm so happy to know you'll be by my side.

Love always,

Your Daughter