Out of all the articles that I’ve written, I found this one to be the hardest and the easiest at the same time. There are so many things I want to say, but I can’t find all the words I need to say them.

I will start out by saying thank you. Thank you for the countless nights you stayed up to listen to every breath I took when I was sick. You always knew how to doctor up every scrape scratch and boo-boo.

Thank you for all the times you stayed a little later at work so you had a few extra dollars to pick up our favorite Chinese dinner and Redbox movie.

Thank you for all the times you let me cry on your shoulder when the boy you told me I didn’t need broke my heart.

Thank you for coloring my hair bright blue in the seventh grade because you always allowed me to express myself.

Thank you for staying up a few more hours to finish the science project I completely procrastinated on.

Thank you for staying on the phone with me when I walk to class because I don’t want anyone to stop me.

Thank you for sending me endless goodie boxes every other week that I always have my favorite snacks and some super fun coloring books.

Thank you for driving for hours just to come see me and my little college town for the night.

Thank you for listening to me ramble on about stuff that no one else would even care about hearing.

I could sit here and name all the things I’m thankful that you have done for me, but it still wouldn’t be enough.

You have taught me to live my life out loud and to never give up on my dreams.

You have spent so many nights, days, hours, months, and years molding me into the person that always wanted to be. There is no doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without you instilling morals, values, and responsibility in my life. You were the first person to tell me that I mattered, you were the first person to tell me that you cared, and you were the first person to show me what true love really was.

I fail as a God-fearing Christian every day, but you never fail to help me get right back up when I fall down. You have been my backbone, my rock, and my lamp in the nights that were dark.

So, thank you. Thank you for the life lessons, thank you for the memories, and thank you for all the smiles you have given me in 21 years of life. Thank you for being my mother, thank you for being my best friend, and thank you for being my hero.

I love you more than stars in the sky, fish in the sea, glass on the ground, and leaves on the trees… that’s how much I love you.