To My Mom, Who Doesn’t Know How Beautiful She Is,

I can’t even begin to explain how beautiful you are, but I’m going to try.

From the beginning, you were my wonderful, loving mother. You took me to school every single day until I could drive. You made me dresses and bows by hand. You always had a craft to keep me busy. Dinner was always served for our family, not to mention that you were a kick-ass cook. You took me to play dates, the zoo, and the beach. You always had activities planned to keep me out of trouble. You always made sure I had on sunscreen even though you knew my nose would be burned anyway. And you embarrassed the hell out of me with your Christmas sweaters and dresses. You were a great mom but you were also my hero.

As I grew to be a young woman, you became my best friend. Car rides were spent talking about what had made us sad, happy, angry, laugh, and cry. We talked about men and boys and how aggravating they were. We talked about our friends and our family drama. We talked about what happened at school and at work and how rude a customer had been to you on the phone. We spent nights on the couch watching Sandra Bullock movies and shows that you hated but you knew I loved. We made homemade popcorn for dinner when we were too tired for anything else. We got hooked on cranberry ginger ale together, especially when paired with our popcorn dinners.

Now that I’m in college and “on my own”, I still enjoy our car rides. As soon as I get in the car after class, being at the grocery store, or coming home from a date, I pick up the phone to tell you all about it. I call you to ask how to bleach my white shorts, at what temperature to bake a meatloaf, and to ask what exactly qualifies as 80’s workout attire. I can’t take a step left or right without consulting you first because you are my rock and my sanity. I love that you are so willing to have fun and have experiences with your kids. From trying your first Y-bomb to going to the bar with me, you’re always ready for a new experience with me. You always ask if I mind whether you are around when my friends come over, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I make plans with friends, I make them with you included. When your mom is the life of the party, she always has to be there.

The people around you love you for all that you are. For being the selfless woman who serves her friends by bringing them dinner when they have sick family members. For being the first to volunteer to help a friend in need of support, around the church, or at work, people know that they can rely on you in any situation. You always go above and beyond as a hostess, making sure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable in your home.

Especially now that I am on my own, I realize that I am growing to be like you. Without a clean room and apartment, I can’t function. Sticky notes, calendars, and stickers are plastered all over my walls to make sure I never forget something I have committed to. When guests come to stay at my apartment for a game day weekend, I make sure I have clean towels, their favorite foods, and a welcoming environment for them to walk in to. And heaven forbid I leave my house without my water bottle. I often giggle when I can’t find my keys in my purse because they are buried under the many items I probably won’t need, but on the off chance I do, I am prepared. And when I go to the beach or the pool, I am always prepared to take care of my friends who forgot snacks, water, sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses. Because of you, I am always prepared.

I hope to one day be the mom that you are to me. To always listen to my kids when they have a problem or a worry. To always kill the cockroaches and spiders in their rooms. To always pack their lunches for school with their favorite snacks. To go to all of their games, plays, awards ceremonies, and speeches. To always put their needs before mine. To cherish the moments in the car to and from school. To tell them that they are loved and worthy. To support them even when I may not agree. To be a role model of strength, beauty, charisma, and selflessness.

The people in your life love you immensely. And maybe, the problem is that we don’t tell you enough. You are beautiful, you are capable, and you are so deeply and totally loved. Your heart is so big and so loving. Your hands are so willing to give help when called upon. And on top of all that, your beautiful interior matches your radiant and breathtaking exterior. I couldn’t ask for a better role model, mom, or best friend.

So, to my mom who doesn’t know how beautiful she is.

You are enough.

You are worthy.

You are loved.