I grew up hearing stories about how I was a terrible child. Not in the sense that I was always in trouble, but that I was a little on the needy side. I would attach myself to your leg, follow you everywhere you went and would scream bloody murder if you walked out of my sight. I was definitely a momma’s girl. I should’ve known then that not much would change as I got older.

I still ask your advice when making any big decision, I still send you pictures of guys I am dating to see if you approve, and I still call you a thousand times a day just to say hi. Our family always jokes about what will happen after you pass because they know I will be an absolute train wreck, and they’re right. I have never lived one day without you, and I can’t imagine ever having to. You dropped me off on my first day of Kindergarten and you were there cheering me on as I walked across the stage at my college graduation (and the one after that). From heartbreaks to accomplishments, you have been there for it all. When I experienced my first heartbreak and thought my life was over, you wiped away the tears and told me that everything would be okay, and you were right. When I graduated college and still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, you assured me that I would find my way, and once again, you were right (do you see a trend here?).

You have given me the confidence to follow my dreams no matter where they take me, and I know I can always count on you to be right behind me every step of the way (even when it involves helping me move for the 5th time this year). You have faith in me when no one else does and let me learn from my own mistakes, never once saying, “I told you so”. You have taught me that it is my choice how my life ends up, no matter what happens to me along the way. You taught me to always be kind, even when others are not kind in return. You taught me the importance of hard work and never giving up and that the paycheck doesn’t matter as long as I’m happy. You taught me to know my worth and never settle for anything less than what I deserve. Most importantly, you taught me to stand on my own two feet, but that you are always there to catch me if I fall.

Every time I call you to tell you about what I think is the worst thing that could ever happen, you always tell me that I will figure it out, and I always do, thanks to you. You answer every call, listen to every story, and never once complain (although you may put me on speaker phone and walk away from time to time) You are the definition of selfless. If I want something, you somehow find a way to make it happen even if it involves giving up something of your own. You make sacrifices each and every day for others, always making sure they are taken care of, and never once worrying about yourself. You are always up for a random road trip to see the Braves play, explore Las Vegas or see some country concert that you could care less about just because I want to go. I am forever thankful to be able to call you my mother. People often say that if you’re not careful, you will end up just like your parents. For me, that would be the biggest blessing. I know every person swears they have the best mother in the world, but I think I have them beat. You are not only my mother, but my best friend and my other half and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because without you, I wouldn't be me.