Mother's Day is just around the corner and it seems that we all have the same feeling towards our mothers: they deserve an island but all we can afford is a candle that smells like one. I'd like to think one day I could at least take my mom to an island one day for Mother's Day.

I think we all know in our hearts that moms say they don't want anything but they do and we seem to assume it comes in the form of gifts but it's the thought that counts. The idea that we took time to draw a card, or pick out a gift, make a scrapbook, or plan a fun day brings a lot of joy to their hearts. I thought I would use this platform as a way to say a few thank you's to my own mother and to any mother these apply to.

Thank you for always being honest with me. Even when it hurts, I have gotten nothing but honest answers from you. It could be about a formal dress I want to get or about the friends I am hanging out with. Regardless of the situation, I ask you for your opinion you tell me straight up what you think. It's not always the easiest answer to hear but I'd rather hear it from you than anyone else. And though I don't always do what you think is best I still value your opinion.

Thank you for encouraging me to be myself. The reason I am so preachy about being true to yourself is that that is the way I was raised. Mom, you taught me that life is too short to pretend that you're something else when you're not. You also showed me that it is never too late to be the person you want to be or live the life you know you deserve and to not just accept what life hands you.

Thank you for sacrificing things for my benefit. Our lives have not been easy but you found a way to make ends meet, to make each of us siblings feel loved, and to support us. For you, that meant working more jobs and hours than necessary but you did it and we made it through. We didn't have to want for anything because you always provided.

Thank you for taking on the responsibility of two parents to three kids when one parent left. It wasn't always easy and you didn't ask for that to happen but you stepped up to a plate did it anyways.

Thank you for being the parent who helped me fundraise for trips, for rushing through Charlotte traffic to meet me at endless dance rehearsals, waiting for the halftime performance, hosting team parties, running out and buying endless pairs of tights that you knew would get ripped by the end of the weekend, buying business formal clothes, driving down for Oyster Roasts and also being my biggest fan through everything.

Thank you for always having a song to go with something that someone has said or for making up your own songs like our s'mores song.

One of your key phrases is "that reminds me of a song" or you just start singing it anyways. And if there isn't a song for the occasion you make up your own like the recipe for s'mores song we made up or the lullabies you sing to your grandson. That is something I have picked up and it adds a little fun to everyday routine.

Thank you for telling me that I can do anything and for pushing me forward when I felt like I couldn't move at all.

I think college has been a huge adjustment for us both, and while it's been a great three going on four years of learning independence I couldn't have done it without your help. I am grateful for the pep talks to just go for things because the worst thing that can happen is being told no and moving on. And the assurance that I will find a major and that I shouldn't stress out.

Thank you for being my mom.