You are the Ousier to my Clairee, the Truvy to my Annette, and the M'Lynn to my Shelby.

You are my mom, and I couldn't have been blessed with a better one.

A steel magnolia is a woman who celebrates her femininity, but also holds dear to her ability to overcome the woes of the world while still holding on to her grace. She is a woman who appears sweet but isn't afraid to let her viper tongue loose and make her presence known. She is strong, but she is gentle. She is a matriarch, but a child-like soul.

Let it be known that we've been through the ringer many times before. There's been screaming, door slamming, and "I hate you's!" a plenty. However, no matter what we've been through, at the end of it all you are my best friend, my everything, my momma.

If anyone does not understand the title, it's from a 1989 drama movie called, "Steel Magnolias".

It's my mom's and my favorite movie and also has a lot to do with life, love, loss and friendship. Seriously if you haven't seen this movie, I recommend it.

Before I ever watched "Steel Magnolias", my mom was already teaching me how to be a "steel magnolia" on my own.

You see, my mom was teaching me how to be a lady, gentle and kind, but also how to kick ass and take names. My mom is my hero, and she taught me how to be a hero too.

She was showing me how to stand on my own two feet, how to be brave and follow my wild heart, while teaching me the importance of generosity and empathy.

I consider myself to be a pretty outgoing person. I make friends easily, I know how to make people laugh and I also embrace in a passionate love for my own self. I like who I am, and a lot of that had to do with my mom teaching me that loving myself is the greatest act of self care I could ever do.

Through the dark times (because yes there have been many of those) she taught me how to grit my teeth and hold on tight. Right now while trying to figure out how to be a responsible and successful adult, and make mistakes every now and then, she still reminds me to say my serenity prayer, grin and bear it. I take the advice my mom has given me time and time again, and apply that knowledge because I know she believes in me. I know I can do this and make her proud.

Momma, because of you I am a "steel magnolia", just like you.

I know I can weather any storm and the sun will shine, again.

I love you.